John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I wish to seek a debate on the economy. I am particularly conscious of the fact the markets reflect the realities that obtain. Earlier this year, the markets recovered somewhat before falling back. What is happening in the markets at present is a sustained recovery. In light of this and the fact that all boats will rise with the tide that will result from such a recovery, it is time the House debated this issue in full. To quote Shakespeare, "When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions." That is what happened to the economy in this country. Ireland's economy is the third most vulnerable to what happens in the world market. We are literally like a cork on the ocean. When the world market turns, however, we will do particularly well. I ask that we focus on the economy and on what we should be doing to prepare for the international upturn.

I also seek a debate on pensions. There is no doubt that there should be balance and equity. However, I wonder about the motives of those who refer to this matter when members of their party are claiming pensions from Westminster, the proceedings of which they do not even bother to attend.