Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the announcement this morning by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, of 250 extra Garda recruits. That brings the total since September to 550, which is a very welcome development. We all know the pressure on Garda numbers and this news is very much to be welcomed. The Government recognises the pressures and the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has committed to never closing Templemore College again, as was done by the previous Government.

I note also that the Investec manufacturing PMI study out today also records strong improvement in March. That is helped by a record high rate of employment and has led to a sharp increase in output, with strong new orders. It is noted that operating conditions have improved in each of the past 22 months. That strong manufacturing growth is supported by rising domestic and export business.

It is clear that while many difficult decisions have been made, the results of those are now bearing fruit. Our economy is expanding at a significant rate and our tax take is up. That is allowing us to provide services such as increasing the number of Garda recruits. The rising tide is not based on a property. It is based on a more stable approach which is spread over a wide range of areas in the economy.

I ask the Leader, in view of the forthcoming spring statement, to ask the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, to come before the Seanad because it would be an opportune time to discuss the economy. The spring statement will be an outline of the way our economy will grow on a sustainable basis in the years to come.