Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

In December 2008, the Government launched its strategy for the renewal of the economy. The strategy commits the Government to stabilising the public finances and restoring competitiveness. It also repositions the Irish economy in the medium to long term. The strategy involves investing heavily in research and development and implementing a new green deal. The economic renewal framework is a comprehensive plan that involves repositioning Ireland to avail of the new opportunities that will arise when the economic recovery comes. The aim of the framework is the development of a smart economy that combines the most favourable elements of the enterprise economy and the innovation or ideas economy. Such an economy will promote a better quality environment, improve energy security and promote social cohesion. The priority of the framework is to ensure that Ireland functions as an innovation and commercialisation hub in Europe.

As Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, I have responsibility for lifelong learning. As Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am responsible for co-ordinating the education and training policies of the two Departments. The interdepartmental committee that is responsible for the preparation of an implementation plan for the national skills strategy is of critical significance under the framework. The Government aims to improve co-ordination between the various Departments and agencies that are responsible for matters like access to jobsearch, training and education and community and employment programmes. It will provide a range of opportunities for upskilling and re-skilling. A number of lifelong learning initiatives will be supported. Under the strategic innovation fund, priority will be given to flexible learning initiatives that can be targeted at upskilling people in the workforce. The Cabinet committee on economic renewal will ensure that all Departments are giving this agenda their top priority.

This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the appointment of Seán Lemass as Taoiseach for the first time. In difficult economic times, Mr. Lemass steered a new course through uncharted economic waters. He abandoned the old protectionist policies and replaced them with the first programme for economic expansion, which heralded tax breaks and grants for foreign firms wishing to invest in Ireland. This is an opportune time for a similar change of course. If we are to reposition the economy for the economic upturn, we should market Ireland as the island of new innovation. The economic renewal framework will help to reorient and reprioritise all Government activities, with the goal of building a smart economy. Issues like training, education and upskilling will form an important aspect of this process. I look forward to improvements in these areas.

Just as Seán Lemass championed Ireland's first application to become a member of the EEC, this Government recognises that Ireland's future lies at the centre of Europe. The ratification of the Lisbon treaty will be an important part of the success of the Government framework plan. Any uncertainty about Ireland's future position in the EU is a serious threat to all aspects of our economic performance, particularly direct foreign investment. This economic crisis can be seen as a threat or as an opportunity. I see it as an opportunity. I believe we have the skill and determination to ensure the successful implementation of the plan I have mentioned. We are well placed to reach new horizons. The tide always comes in and lifts all boats. Only those boats that are seaworthy, or focused on innovation in this case, will reach new shores.

The Taoiseach said at the launch of the Government plan last December that a national effort is required. For that reason, the social partners are an integral part of the decision-making process, as they were in 1987 when the necessary decisions were taken in the best interests of the future of the country. I am confident that they will not be found wanting on this occasion. For 20 years, social partnership has proved that it can be a workable and beneficial process. A little give and take on the part of all participants in this process can help to make the dream of an innovation island a reality.

We should not overlook the fact that this recession is a truly global one. Most of the world's advanced countries are in recession, or are close to recession. It has previously been pointed out that the countries that respond most favourably following an economic downturn are usually those that have restructured and transformed their economies to the meet new challenges of the next wave of economic growth. The framework plan that was launched in December, along with the new economic growth measures aimed at stabilising the public finances that will be announced next week, represents the basis of our economic renewal.

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