Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is obvious that the third anniversary of the Government's election has upset greatly the Leader of the Opposition. Based on what the House has heard from Deputy Kenny, it seems that he has a dull view of the world. I do not agree that the investments being made by the Government are not required. I do not accept what he had to say in regard to the state of the economy and country. In a whole range of areas, we are experiencing real improvements. The Deputy referred to transport. There was no public investment in railways or anything else by the outgoing Government before the Fianna Fáil-PD Government took office in 1997. In fact, a railway safety programme was necessary before we could have a railway development programme because the railways had been left in an unsafe condition.

Last weekend I attended a European Union meeting. The EU unemployment rate is averaging 9% and the estimated growth in the European economy is approximately 2% for this year. In the same period, the Irish economy is expected to grow by 5% while unemployment remains at 4.5%. That is better testimony to the management of the economy than the other issues raised. I remind the Deputy that the programme for Government is for a five year period. I have not heard of a Government which was able to complete a five year programme in three years. We intend to complete the programme in a five year period.

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