It is a great day for the country, our first day of economic freedom in a long time as we leave the EU-IMF programme. The people of this country have worked hard to reach this point. It has not been easy for them. It is notable that the country has not seen the social upheaval witnessed in other countries experiencing similar situations. In many ways, this is due to the responsible attitude adopted by all political parties, allowing for a certain amount of justifiable rhetoric. A special word must be said for the Taoiseach.

A few years ago many were saying that the Taoiseach was not up to the job.

Was that the Senator's crowd?

It was said by those who were responsible for creating the mess we are in-----

And almost half the parliamentary party.

-----who themselves it must be remembered bailed out-----

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Despite Senator Daly's remarks, I respect him and all those sitting around him. I do not respect the members of his party who caused this mess and left on big pensions and are now sitting at home laughing at everybody else.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Before I ask my question-----

The Senator is running out of time.

I remind everybody that it was the stone rejected by the builders that became the cornerstone.

That is a good line for the press office. They will like that.

I ask that the Leader invite the Taoiseach to the House so that, as is done in the US Congress, we can stand up and applaud him.

Senator D'Arcy should second the amendment to the Order of Business.

The Taoiseach can then tell us what the next stage is for us.