Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We are planning very effectively and comprehensively for the future. The research and development strategy is a plan for future industry, jobs and competitiveness. This is why we put so much effort into it. A total of eight Departments were involved in the process, which was chaired by my Department. I chaired a Cabinet sub-committee on science and technology. We see it as critical for winning more jobs for the future and underpinning the kind of quality jobs we have in pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, financial services, digital media and other sectors.

In terms of skilling, the One Step Up initiative and the national skills strategy which is currently nearing completion, we estimate that 80% of the current workforce will be part of the workforce in 20 years time. We have clear plans and have taken investment decisions to enhance the skills of existing employees to ensure we remain competitive and underpin jobs for the future.

In one rhetorical flourish, Deputy Hogan eliminated the former Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, from the tax reduction story of modern Ireland, which is some achievement.

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