Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Through its commitment to a fiscal responsibility Bill, the Government has already made clear its intention to put in place the legislative framework to guard against a future disaster. That we are now doing so in tandem with our European partners should be very welcome to all responsible parties in the House who never want to see such a crisis again. The efforts we make in Ireland to restore confidence for investment and business in our country are working, and those thinking of making important investment decisions in the period ahead are naturally concerned about the wider prospects for European recovery. We need the picture they see to be positive, and this treaty will make a real contribution to ensuring that can be so.

When I work in various places around the world to promote this country, I am struck by how important it is to have a good story to tell, not just about how Ireland is today - bruised but recovering and looking to the future with renewed energy - but how and where we see ourselves in five or ten years. I tell people about our confidence in ourselves and abilities, our educated and dynamic young people, our skilled and flexible work force and our pro-business and "can do" attitude. I tell people that this country is one of ideas and ambitions, with a great future ahead. During recent visits to the United States and China, the consistent message from both political and business leaders has been that they see Ireland's place as a fully committed member of the euro zone as a crucial element of Ireland's attractiveness as a location for investment. When I visited China a number of weeks ago, the evidence of the interest in Irish firms exporting to China and investment here was exceptionally strong, and we must build on that.

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