Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Cummins, Norris, Alex White, Leyden, McFadden, Ó Murchú, Coffey, Bradford, Healy-Eames, Walsh and Feeney expressed diverse views on the budget. I offer the best wishes of the House to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on his first budget. The Minister is a man of great ability, as Senators will have noted during his appearances before the House, including his contributions on the debate marking the 70th anniversary of the Constitution and legislation on the banking issue which was discussed during an all-night session. All those present a fortnight ago for the latter debate admired his great ability.

Like Senator Leyden and the Cathaoirleach, I have long been associated with the Minister's family, having canvassed with both his father and grandfather over the past 40 years. The Lenihan family has for decades shown great dedication to the betterment of society, none more so than the former Deputy Leader of the House, Deputy Mary O'Rourke, who has been my colleague for many years. The Deputy and I have always done our best to serve the interests of our country, party and county.

Today is a momentous occasion for the Minister for Finance and I wish him well on behalf of the House. We will support him in every way possible as he sets out to address the difficulties currently being experienced worldwide. We must also make some domestic corrections arising from changes in recent times. I hope the budget will lay the foundation stone for part three of the Celtic tiger.

For the past ten years, Ireland's growth rate has averaged an unbelievable 7%. The country has been held up to the ten new member states of the European Union as a shining example of what a nation can achieve in 20 years from humble origins. This has been done under all parties in Government.