John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader for a debate on the economy. It appears that in recent months there has been an upturn in the markets internationally that is growing and consistent. The major indicators from the research authorities indicate that the upturn is real. In light of the fact that we are a small open economy and should be the first to benefit from any upturn, I seek a debate on the economy with specific reference to what is happening internationally.

I support calls made this morning for a general amnesty, in particular where people have been incarcerated for petty and minor offences. That would be a wonderful gesture. In other states an amnesty is given to certain prisoners, especially to mark the inauguration of a new head of state, for example, or some other great event. I note that in the United States the outgoing President is allowed to give an amnesty.

A fair point was raised this morning about posters. Two more points could be made to describe those posters. One is that many of them are digitally enhanced and the other is that the candidates are irradiated in that instead of the light coming down on people it seems to emanate from some candidates.