Cowen expects economic growth this year

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said he expects a return to economic growth in the second half of this year.

Mr Cowen is addressing the annual Fianna Fáil Easter Rising Commemoration at Arbour Hill in Dublin.

During his speech he also said the country "needs to pull together" and ignore what he describes as the "foghorns of negativity".

And he said an Ireland free of industrial disruption will further boost international confidence - describing the Croke Park deal as a win-win agreement for the country.