John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I welcome a debate on the economy following the publication of the report by the Economic and Social Research Institute. I am mindful that in the past decade there have been two downturns, one following the bursting of the dotcom bubble and the other after the tragedy of 11 September 2001. Very quickly the economy managed to turn the situation around. The report indicates that within 18 months we will be back to very strong levels of growth, which I welcome. I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Finance to attend the House to discuss the report and especially to reaffirm the commitment of Fianna Fáil and the other Government parties to looking after those less well-off in more uncertain and difficult times.

As a "Yes" supporter in the recent Lisbon treaty referendum, I commend some of the political achievements of the "No" campaign which humbled those of us in politics. However, the sight in the European Parliament of members of the UK Independence Party wearing green was disagreeable. It is no friend of Europe, which it denigrates, or Ireland. I commend Ms. Avril Doyle, MEP, on saying what many of us felt; it was a fine contribution.