Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These are real Irish families - people getting jobs, getting back to work and spending more money. We have seen an increase in start-ups and have seen our service and manufacturing industries increase. It is not made up although the Opposition has done a very good political job of trying to detach economics from society. Economic benefits and the economic growth we are now seeing represent real people and real families getting back on their feet as this country's economy recovers.

We are also in a very different position when it comes to debt. Ireland's debt levels are sustainable and we can now borrow at record low interest rates.

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