Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am sharing time with Deputy Cuffe.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I will try to focus on the issues. If the current problems, particularly on the economic side, facing this country could be resolved simply by Deputies staying at their desks over the summer period, I, for one, would break ranks and support the motion. I especially welcome the opportunity to put on the record the manner in which the Government will continue to deal with the economic and social issues that will face this country throughout the next few months and during the recess. I restate the Government's commitment to position the economy for sustainable development over the years ahead through improving national competitiveness by the implementation of appropriate policies.

One point from the Opposition side I agree with, particularly from the Labour Party leader who conducted a good referendum campaign——

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