Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator McDowell in what I thought was a very generous tribute to the Minister on the manner of his presentation. It was a tour de force and it showed clearly the command he has of his brief. That should make everybody in this House happy. There is something particularly edifying when credit is given where it is due. For example, Senator Brian Hayes paid a compliment to Deputy Perry on the role he played in securing the transatlantic agreement for Knock Airport. I was present in Sligo at the invitation of Deputy Perry when the Mayor of New York visited for the unveiling of the monument for the fighting 69th regiment. Credit should always be given where it is due. Likewise, credit should be given to the Government on what it has achieved to date.

What we are really talking about in the plan is an acknowledgement and celebration of unprecedented success for this country. I believe there is a new national game where if something goes wrong, no matter how infinitesimally small, people blame the Government but when something goes right, they look up and thank the stars or the gods. We are creating a divided personality for the nation. That is not to say anybody has all the answers.

Let us look at some of the issues covered in the national development plan. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than to see the huge progress in the peace process in the North. We are within months of seeing a final conclusion to that process. Is it not wonderful that it finds an echo in this vision which is before us, in other words, the cross-Border co-operation? We have already seen it in Tourism Ireland and when we have travelled abroad with the island operating as one. It is true we are heading towards a united Ireland at least when it comes to the economy.

There is €50 billion to address social inclusion, or social exclusion. That is very important. Some €1.13 billion is being given to cultural infrastructure, which is very important. It is a very carefully thought out plan. I do not believe it is right to suggest there was not consultation. How could one come up with an infrastructure plan for culture if consultation had not taken place? How could one come up with a plan for the Gaeltacht and the islands if we had not consulted in advance? How could one come up with a plan for cross-Border projects if there had not been consultation?

It is vital we all embrace the potential we now have. I associate the words "prudence" and "vision" with this plan. We are celebrating what we have done but we must not rest on our laurels. We would blame the Government if it rested on the oars having brought the ship into a safe port and opening up the opportunities we now have. It is an occasion for celebration and I do not like to see any viciousness in the debate because ultimately, it is something for us all.