Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

This made a real difference to people in getting expertise and skill. Under the Springboard proposals, 6,000 placements have been made across our education sector. An enormous job of work continues over the course of the lifetime of this Government but it is a matter for the Irish people to come to a judgment on this Government or an alternative. It is a matter for the Irish people to see the State of the economy now by comparison with 12 months ago. If one asks most fair-minded people whether we are in a better position now than 12 months ago, they would be in agreement. That is because of the steady success of this Government, for which we look for support.

I compliment Ray MacSharry for the tough decisions taken in 1987, after Fine Gael had been in government with the Labour Party. These were the key decisions in turning around the Irish economy and getting our public finances to a better balanced position. Over three years, he did more than Fine Gael and the Labour Party did in the previous seven years and I concede that point. However, he had the support of Alan Dukes and the Fine Gael Party in doing what was in the country's interest. I ask the Opposition Members to follow in that vein.