John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I join with my Government colleagues who placed on record their appreciation for the Taoiseach's contribution to expanding the economy from 1997 onwards and to peace and prosperity. The foundations were laid during that time for the changing economy and for us looking outward with confidence to build business at home and to attract foreign direct investment. I wish him well in whatever role he takes up in the future. I also thank him for his contribution to Irish politics, on which we will have an opportunity at another stage to deliberate in a more expansive way.

I congratulate Fine Gael on tabling the motion. The party is consistent and its members have their heads stuck even deeper in the sand. The previous occasion we discussed a similar motion tabled by Deputy Varadkar, the same speakers adopted the same negative tone regarding all sectors of business. They have little to offer on developing business policy and they also refused to recognise the enormous contribution being made by the SME sector, with the exception of Deputy Kehoe who referred to Air-Con Group Ltd. in his own constituency. Every Member has made a complaint relating to his or her own constituency but they put forward very few solutions.

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