Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

The measures being taken by my Green Party colleagues in the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are leading to changes in consumer and business behaviour.

The promotion and increased facilitation of renewable energy generation, the total of €149 million for research and development in energy sources in the national development plan and the industries deriving from these points of focus will mean the creation of thousands of jobs and a large reduction in energy costs, which is a key factor in keeping us competitive.

Other ongoing developments add to our successful economy. Ireland is consolidating itself as a knowledge economy. Ireland's strength will not be in steel rolling mills, car plants or ship yards but in the educational ability of our people. A total of €2.8 billion will be invested in science, technology and innovation during the lifetime of the national development plan. Third level expenditure on research and development has been growing at more than 7% since 2004 with Irish Exchequer funding of higher education research and development increasing on average by double digit figures in recent years.

I welcome the spending of more than €200 million in the business and technology park in Carlow by the major company Merck. As Green Party spokesperson on enterprise, trade and employment, I will continue to encourage the Government, a party of which I am proud to be a member, to develop our business sector and support our tourism industry to realise its full potential. The image of Ireland is of a clean, green country, and we must capitalise on our breath-taking landscapes, walking trails, local gourmets, businesses, micro-energy and business promotions, the promotion of organic and non-GM food and our hospitable culture. In this regard, Government support for the tourism and food industries will see increased growth in indigenous industry and less economic reliance on foreign investment.

Competitiveness is being sustained in what is a fundamentally healthy outlook for the Irish economy. This morning, business media proclaimed that for every 500 jobs lost in Ireland we are gaining 1,500. The green energy revolution is upon us and we can capitalise on it. There is 7% investment in renewable energy business at present. We can push this to more than 50% as happened in parts of Germany.

This revolution will have a marked effect on our economy. It will include a new wave of opportunities and employment. Energy supply will be secured. Investment in education will sustain a knowledge economy and Government measures will ensure support for enterprise, small and large businesses, and foreign and indigenous industry.

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