Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, our commitment referred to 2016, and that remains our ambition and target. However, we did not pretend, and it would be naive to pretend, that this can be divided up into bundles of 5,000 jobs or 20,000 jobs. The economy does not work like that. We must repair the banking system and many of the sectors of the economy that have been damaged. We must put many things in place, which is what is being done. We have examined all sectors of government to identify what changes we can make in different areas to rebuild the economy on a sustainable basis. This will involve building capacity to win exports, developing sustainable enterprises and creating innovative companies as opposed to relying on Government expenditure or debt spending. This is the challenge we face and it is not one we will achieve by flicking a switch and suddenly creating a set number of jobs every year. Members must recognise that our task is akin to turning around an oil tanker and steering it in a different direction.

The IDA target remains and is a 2020 target in its strategy. However, we will clearly have to revisit our capacity to deliver in this area. As Deputies are aware, we have selected the south east and recognise the problems in the region. I have invested considerable effort in this issue. The various partners in the south east are working together and all the agencies have a spotlight on the region. We are trying to make a difference and build up the assets of the region as it requires a stronger asset base. The IDA has applied for planning permission for a facility. The challenge we are trying to meet is to rebuild the competitive edge of the region.

On Deputy Kyne's contribution, given that we do not have much money to spend, we must spend what we have in a smarter way. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, for example, is having bundles of schools built through public private partnership projects, funding water investment through charges and financing the hospital building programme through the national lottery. These are ways of creating a stimulus in the economy that will have an impact. I understand further bundles of schools are planned and primary health centres are being developed. A number of projects are still in play.

That is a very active part of all this. Another part is using some of the money in the National Pensions Reserve Fund to leverage funds for SMEs. That €800 million of new funds for SMEs and turnaround companies, in equity and credit, is using the money we have in a smart way. If we can get €850 million taken up, with the State putting in some €300 million from the NPRF, it would leverage a much bigger spend in the economy. Trying to be innovative with the money we have is a big part of what we are doing.

The visa waiver scheme relates to the Department of Justice and Equality. A scheme is in operation but the issue is to use it more effectively. I will not explain it in full but there is an arrangement with the United Kingdom whereby people who have visas for the UK can come to this country. This is very good for promoting business visits, with other elements applying to the tourism sector. The Deputy is right. The foreshore and agriculture Bills are being given priority because they provide opportunities. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, is working to advance the foreshore Bill in particular because there is recognition that this is an area of opportunity.

I acknowledge the committee's recognition of the Credit Review Office. I ask Deputies to promote the office as often as they can. Thousands of people are being turned down but very few are making appeals. If we do not see them and they are not examined by the CRO it is harder to get the refusals turned aside.

I thank Senator Clune who has done a great deal in the area of ICT. We have put together a package that will meet the various needs. We will keep the proposal under review but it would be a radical change to what we are doing. I agree entirely with the Senator about the vouchers, which will be competitive. People must demonstrate they have a business plan and will match the voucher with their own effort. Plans will be judged on their success. This is a toe in the water, an area where we want to promote activity, and we will use it as the Senator suggested.