Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

"commends the Government for:

its stewardship of the economy and public finances to date which has meant that Ireland meets the current economic situation from a position of strength and allows Ireland to take advantage of the global economic recovery when it emerges; and

its adoption of sensible measures which have created the right economic and fiscal conditions for strong growth in recent years, whilst protecting the gains that our country has made by ensuring responsibility in management of the public finances;

furthermore, in the light of the changed economic realities:

notes that many of the factors currently impacting on the economy are external in origin;

notes that the Government through bringing forward the Budget for 2009 will provide clarity and confidence to investors and taxpayers and provide a sound basis for economic recovery; and

welcomes the Government's role in securing a draft national pay agreement which will further provide confidence, certainty and stability in the challenging period ahead, while at the same time providing wider economic and social benefits."

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