Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of the former Senator, Jimmy Mulroy, who made an immeasurable contribution to the affairs of this House. He has been a great friend and strong advocate of the Seanad for many years.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Coghlan, Norris, Hannigan, Regan, Hanafin, Buttimer and Butler expressed their views on the economic circumstances in which our country finds itself. I will facilitate Members in providing whatever time is required for them to express their views and offer their advice on the corrective measures which have to be introduced in early April.

I nail to the mast the fact that the Government is not responsible for the world recession. This recession has occurred despite the best efforts of the greatest powers and strongest countries in the world. We are all aware of what the strongest powers are doing in terms of making available finance to stimulate the economy, in particular in the western world. I commend the Taoiseach and the Government who on every occasion since the commencement of the downturn have one way or the other taken the required corrective measures. We are a small nation that has become one of the greatest countries in the world, having grown from small beginnings in 1991-1992 to where we are to date, with a growth rate during the past ten or 12 years of 7% per annum. We have achieved an enormous amount. These are the facts and we should be proud of them, in particular coming up to St. Patrick's Day when all our Ministers, the Taoiseach and others are going abroad to sell Ireland plc.