Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has insisted there is no place for pessimism about the economy, despite a slowdown in the housing sector.
In an address to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, Mr Ahern said the Government would maintain a responsible fiscal policy, but that the economy was still strong, and still growing.
He told the assembled TDs and Senators that economic prospects remained good, although admitting there will be pressure on the Exchequer as housing construction slows
Mr Ahern tried to avoid matters relating to the Mahon Tribunal on arrival at the two-day strategy session in Wicklow before the resumption of the Dáil.
Asked about Defence Minister Willie O'Dea's criticism of the tribunal over the weekend, the Taoiseach said Mr O'Dea was a 'great minister'.
For his part, Minister O'Dea said he stood over his comments.
And Mr Ahern also confirmed that Fianna Fáil is to develop a strategy for organising on a 32-county basis, although he stressed that this will be done gradually.
The announcement was welcomed by Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuiness.
