Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. It is always a pleasure to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, who was a very distinguished Member of this House. He is playing a role in what is perhaps the most focused Department of all, not only because of the time of year but also because of the times in which we live. I could not help but reflect on the opening lines of A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens which, if memory serves me right, read: "It was the best of times and it was the worst of times". Perhaps, in a way, that sums up where we are.

I welcome the opportunity to reflect on the state of the economy and offer some hope to the people that the answer and solution to the crisis we face as a country can be found in these Houses. I remember speaking some time back about the economy with a good friend of long standing, Deputy Gilmore, with whom I served for many years at the Council of Europe. During the discussion he stated the answer needed to be found in these Houses; otherwise democracy itself would come into question. I have never been one to bandy slogans about or scare the living daylights out of people by suggesting our democracy is in any way at risk. However, it has often been stated democracy is a fragile flower which needs to be constantly encouraged and nurtured. Therefore, the debate taking place on the state of the economy and the contribution that all those elected to represent the people in both Houses can make through an injection of new ideas and adding a new dimension to existing policies is to be welcomed.

Ultimately, we are political in the Houses and the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, got it right last evening on "Tonight with Vincent Browne" which, by the way, I suggest is required viewing for those up late enough at night to get an insight into Vincent's own particular interests-----