Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We have built up huge industries across a range of areas and have high growth.

I am glad to see Deputy Kenny acknowledging the strength of the economy. Most of his party opposes our policies and votes against them and our budget strategy but we are building record numbers of homes and spending enormous amounts on transport. The Luas project, which the Opposition tried to laugh off, is now in profit, carrying more than 22 million passengers per year, the rail programme is moving on, our new strategy for science and technology has been announced and more resources are being invested in health, education and welfare to help the less well-off in society. We are building hospitals throughout the country, hundreds of additional first and second level schools and funding programmes through Science Foundation Ireland. That is where the money is going.

If I were in opposition I would be upset about that too.

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