Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not sure in a political sense if the Taoiseach epitomises the orchid. When the people get an opportunity on the next occasion they might perform a painful process called an orchidectomy. Deputy Devins can explain what that means.

The role of the national implementation body was to determine the number of breaches of Sustaining Progress. Now that the agreement is drawing to an end, how many breaches took place? What arrangements will be in place in the event of another agreement being reached to ensure breaches will not recur?

Is the Taoiseach concerned by the economic report referred to by IBEC recently, which highlighted that because of America's budgetary situation and balance of payments deficit, there may well be a triggered devaluation of the dollar which would have serious consequences for exporting countries such as Ireland and for the construction industry, in particular, which is critical to our economy? IBEC pointed out, for instance, that a reduction of one third in the price of houses would drive down volume by 40% and growth by 1% and would drive unemployment up to 10%. While the Taoiseach would not have control over such a catastrophe, is he concerned the implications of such an economic report for Ireland in sustaining the strength of the economy?

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