The budget, announced yesterday, will deal effectively with immediate economic requirements, but we need to be far-sighted. The long-term visionary approach taken by the strategy will help to sustain the economic grains achieved while, at the same time, ensuring a fair and balanced spread of future benefits. Balanced regional development, continued social inclusion and strong economic and environmental policies should all support the aims of the strategy and ensure Ireland's place in Europe and the wider world for many years into the future.