Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry that I was late. I was at another meeting and I could not get away.

The economy has made a successful comeback and people on the streets are now beginning to talk about it. They see the evidence among their families and communities. I live in Ballyfermot. I am close to what people say in terms of unemployment because there are high levels of unemployment there. It is pleasing to see that people are beginning to have confidence in the recovery. This is largely the work of the Ministers in this room. They have taken on a singularly difficult portfolio and have done remarkably well to make the progress that has been made in a short period. I am keen to emphasise that. It is gratifying, especially speaking as someone in one of the Government parties.