John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader for a debate on the economy at the earliest opportunity although not today. It is opportune for us to have a debate because there is a misconception as to what is happening. A slowdown is taking place. There will be negative growth this year by a very small percentage. However, we have already seen two such slowdowns in the past ten years and have managed them very well. If the ESRI report is read in full, it shows that growth in the economy will resume within 18 months. What are needed are a steady hand and head and prudent management, which I am sure we will get from this Government.

I would also like to note on the Order of Business today that we often see the tyranny of the liberals. This tyranny allows them to use abusive terms like "rump" to speak about people who hold legitimate views. People should see how intolerant these so-called liberals truly are.