Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I take the point that it is a good example of how one tries to make an adjustment. Lessons can be learned. For us, export-led growth is the key and consumer demand at home will make its contribution. Mirroring international confidence in what we are doing economically at home with a far greater degree of domestic conference would help us in that respect. In data of recent months, there have been indications that coming off a base that saw a significant decrease in consumer spending, there is now a month on month, year on year, May to June increase in domestic demand appearing in the economy.

Regarding the point on international development aid, I cannot be more specific and a more detailed question to the Department of Foreign Affairs would elicit a more accurate and relevant answer. Pressure on public finances will have an impact on the ability of countries to contribute in the way they have in the past. In the review by the UN of the millennium development goals it is clear we are not meeting the targets. The Minister's recent visit to Uganda and Ethiopia are better examples of what can be achieved but it comes down to governance issues within these countries and the ability to use international aid and assistance in a way that is beneficial to the native populations. We cannot say this is uniform across many underdeveloped areas.

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