Dáil debates

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

3:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I remind the Deputy that the Minister for Finance always pointed out that there would be a review of the growth figures as set out. As the Deputy is well aware, these matters are subject to a range of criteria before being finalised. It is also a fact that growth has returned to the economy for the first time in a number of years. The figures for the live register and the Exchequer returns in recent months show a measure of confidence which is heading in the right direction. I will not go as far as others have in the past, but the level of growth is heading in the right direction, despite the scale of the challenges that we face. I agree with the Deputy that growth is absolutely fundamental to what we have to do. That is why the plan set out by the Government and the projections set out by the Minister for Finance are based on growth, opportunity and investment.

I am sure the Deputy has read the stability treaty on many occasions, Article 1 of which aims to strengthen the co-ordination of economic policies and improve the governance of the euro area, thereby supporting the achievement of the European Union's objectives for sustainable growth, employment, competitiveness and social cohesion. That is what the stability treaty is about and the reason the opportunity will present itself on 31 May for the people of the country to make a decision on which road they want to take. A "Yes" vote is one that will offer stability, permanence, guaranteed access to funding, opportunity, investment and jobs.

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