Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank IBEC and the Irish Exporters Association for their positive presentations on what is the most important and difficult challenge facing our country. The trading and investing in a smart economy strategy was published in early 2010.

That publication had a particular emphasis on export-led growth, part of which included foreign direct investment, a topic we have not really covered, but it relates to new markets and the necessary co-ordination required. I am pleased this was raised in the Irish Exporters Association presentation and I will address the association first. The delegation referred to cutbacks and this is an important point we should take on board and emphasise, because it is short-sighted if we cut back. The example provided referred to a job in one area that could generate or create employment here, especially given the serious challenges we have with regard to youth unemployment. I believe one third of the youth are neither involved in education nor working. This is a Europe-wide phenomenon but-----