Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They are forecasts, not targets. The distinction is that if the Government continues to take a series of initiatives under the jobs programme that are job friendly, the forecasts change and improve. The targets are in advance of the forecast.

I have made no secret of what I think should happen if there is spare capacity in the economy. I believe we should invest in growing the economy and creating jobs. That should be the priority. However, there will be different views in Cabinet. The Deputy knows how it works. There are different demands. If there is a very pressing social need, for example, one will apply funds to that as well. As a general principle, the thrust of policy from my position would be towards restoring the economy to growth and getting the benefit in job creation consequent to that.