Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

We have recovered a great deal of ground and we are getting it right. There is hope and change is happening. We are all united on the fundamentals, notwithstanding the differences between parties. We are getting our act together.

It is being increasingly recognised internationally that Ireland is different, that we are meeting our requirements and that the tough decisions that have been made and that will continue to be made are in the interests of our society. An article appeared on the website of The Wall Street Journal yesterday under the headline "Ireland achieving quiet success", which stated: "As the headlines of Greek tragedy and Italian farce continue, one solid national performance has been largely overlooked." That is ours and the article basically says we are getting our act together. If we can show we are different and can attract inward investment, we can restore competitiveness and create jobs. I acknowledge Senator Barrett referred to the building bubble and so on. I thank the officials from the Department of Finance who helped me in preparing for the debate.