Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senators for their substantial contributions. I noted the quality of the contributions, which helped make for a good discussion of the 2003 Estimates.

There was no attempt on the part of the Government to be over-congratulatory. Its purpose was to point out where the outturn was to come in light of the serious misconceptions that were held in regard to it. The reality is that we ended up with a surplus in spite of all the discussion to the contrary.