Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In the past three years alone, Ireland's merchandise exports have recorded year on year increases of approximately 3% per annum. This was achieved despite adverse conditions in many markets, including currency rate changes. It follows a long-standing trend of many years that was disrupted in the aftermath of the attacks on 11 September, as well as the bubble difficulties associated with the technology sector.

See this speech in context