Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

In our short history as a nation, we have demonstrated our capacity to overcome economic adversity. We have worked together to build this economy into one of the most successful in the world. We must now work to save it from a downward spiral. Even with a crisis, opportunities arise. As we recast and restructure our fiscal policy, we can transform the way in which we do business in this country in the public and private sectors.

As I said at the outset, a Cheann Comhairle, we can work our way through this time of economic distress. More than that, we can be strengthened by it. Today, we have set out our plan for the renewal of our economy over the next five years.

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