Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The indications from industry are extremely positive in that it has been a significant incentive to industry. However, the tax credit is relatively new. I will forward figures to the Deputy if they become available.

I refer to the GDP target and the current position on expenditure. The Deputy is correct that a significant gap must be bridged. The Minister has asked the interdepartmental committee to set intermediate targets and to report on an ongoing basis because the target has been set for 2010, which is a considerable time away. He is most anxious that intermediate targets should be set and met and, if they are not, new actions to meet the targets should be devised. The 2.5% target referred to by the Deputy is ambitious while the 3% target is extremely ambitious. However, by monitoring expenditure on an ongoing basis, it will be possible to ascertain what progress is being made, what actions are effective and what new and alternative actions may need to be taken.

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