Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the annual review of the Irish economy by the IMF published in August 2006; if he will heed their call for modest fiscal tightening in the budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33102/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I was happy with the very positive findings of the IMF in their review of the Irish economy. I was particularly pleased with their recognition of the success of this Government's fiscal policy when they said that 'Ireland's robust performance has been supported by sound economic policies, including prudent fiscal policy, low taxes on labour and business income, and labour market flexibility'.

While the IMF does call for modest fiscal tightening, it also acknowledges that this Government's high level of investment in public capital is appropriate now.

I will continue to implement the fiscal policies that have made this economy so successful going forward.