Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Does the Tánaiste agree that he was seriously wrong in 2005 and 2006, when he said the building boom was based on sound economic fundamentals? Does he agree that he was also wrong to introduce expansionary measures in every one of his four budgets? Does he agree that the boom he cheered on has resulted in the loss of competitiveness that he rightly says is damaging our exports? Does he accept that the situation which we now have, whereby outstanding debt in the property area is 30 times the outstanding debt in manufacturing, is not the basis for sustainable progress in this economy? Against that background, does the Tánaiste accept the EU's assertion that it is now time to change policy?

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