Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Would Mr. Barnes agree that the economy's ability to expand and recover presents the best possible option in the context of delivery in the short to medium term? I refer to prolonging the time required for the recovery of the economy by stunting its growth now. I venture that it is most essential for the economy to recover quickly, get up to full speed and into the business of delivery. If we stunt the growth of the economy at this stage, it might not deliver and we might create an artificial downturn for many reasons that Mr. Barnes will know far better than I do. I put that suggestion forward. My other point for Mr. Barnes to consider is that I contend the Government has managed to deliver in respect of the economy in the best way possible, given the convoluted and exceptionally negative circumstances it found itself in during the past 14 months.