Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that there are many issues that need to be addressed, as my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has said about the justice system. That is already happening due to the reforming programme being pursued by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, which includes the setting up of an independent policing authority, reform of the Department in line with the Toland report, and a renewal of Garda recruitment - which Fianna Fáil stopped - along with investment through increased funding for Garda cars and numbers.

I know the Opposition does not want to debate the economy - and who can blame it? - but that is what the people want us to work on and that is what the people need us to focus on. It is not just for the sake of the economy, or having the economy as an end in itself; it is so we can deliver the society we want to deliver for all our people, one that our people need and deserve. Our economy is growing at the fastest rate in Europe, as is job creation. The troika has gone home and our sovereignty has been restored. Exports are up and reforms are under way in so many other areas. We will not be distracted or deterred by theatrics.

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