Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Our growth in recent years has not been in the export-led productive sector. It has been in the construction sector and in public services. I pleaded with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan on this issue last night. I will repeat for the third time this week in the Seanad what Dr. Whitaker stated in his speech celebrating the 50th anniversary of the programme he produced in 1958 on the economic development of the country that is, we should prioritise our competitiveness. Our productive sector is not competing internationally. Regrettably, only some Members present in the Chamber know what I am talking about. Our country earns no money unless we sell goods and services abroad that other people want to buy.