Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In terms of the anti-inflation position, as part of the social partnership process, we are establishing an anti-inflation group to deal with inflationary pressures on the economy, but the broad macro statistics for Ireland are strong. We had a very high economic growth rate in 2006 and that is also predicted for 2007. In terms of a quality of life index and the UN human development index, we are doing particularly well and are ranked very high on it. We are ranked eighth in the OECD group and third on the National Competitiveness Council's benchmark. In terms of pro-employment taxation policy, we are number two behind South Korea in regard to a pro-employment taxation policy in the context of personal taxation and corporate taxation. In terms of ease of doing business and an education system that is most responsive to the needs of enterprise and industry, we are number one. The Deputy can go through indices and there is quite a range of positive indices. Insurance costs in terms of motor and household premia have significantly decreased because of the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and direct action taken by the Government. We acknowledge there are other pressures on the economy and it is incorrect of the Deputy to dismiss the external impact over a period of oil and energy pricing.

See this speech in context