Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

Several factors have contributed to the situation, many of which were external but some of which were of our own making and from which we must learn lessons. At this stage, the country needs a prescription, not a post mortem. The Taoiseach and his Government colleagues have entered negotiations with the social partners with a view to agreeing on the necessary medicine, not just for 2009, but up to 2013. While agreement has not yet been reached, we are hopeful and I would like to acknowledge the maturity shown by all sides involved in the talks. No easy solutions are available, difficult decisions must be taken and there will be much pain. However, it is in the national interest that everyone make the necessary sacrifices. The more people who make those sacrifices, the quicker will be our recovery.

Retaining a good credit rating is vital. In light of demands placed on other countries and their borrowing requirements, it is important that we demonstrate a strategy to address our situation. I hope it will become clearer next week. We are a small country that depends on exports. It is important that we display our attractiveness for investment and as a good place in which to do business. The importance of our membership of the euro has not been emphasised enough, nor the protection it lent us during the recent turbulence in the money markets. Were we outside the eurozone, we could have experienced something similar to the Icelandic situation.

In recent days, much emphasis has been placed on the Government's plan to reduce expenditure, to which we are committed, but we must also be aware of the need to continue investing in infrastructure. Given yesterday's announcement of an investment of €1.44 billion in the national roads programme for this year, it is clear we are placing considerable importance on capital expenditure. It makes a great deal of sense because it improves our infrastructure, provides important employment and creates a certain amount of economic activity.

Several measures taken by my Department will be beneficial in terms of improving competitiveness and providing employment. The energy sector is pivotal to national competitiveness and continued economic and social prosperity. A key element of the Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal is the investment in renewable energy, the promotion of the green enterprise sector and the creation of "green collar" jobs. Funding of €20 million was provided in October's budget for the home energy savings scheme, which operated on a pilot basis in 2008. This level of investment will support energy efficiency measures in more than 12,000 homes. Some €5 million was also provided for the warmer homes scheme and is to be supplemented by funds from the ESB and Bord Gáis Éireann. This investment will underpin the delivery of greater energy efficiency in the homes of disadvantaged persons through insulation and upgrading work, necessary parts of the scheme.

These and other schemes operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland provide an example of how the targeted use of public funding can help address Ireland's energy efficiency issues and deliver employment and enterprise opportunities while helping to meet carbon reduction targets.

Ireland's ocean energy resources offer significant potential to add to our renewable energy capacity. Ocean energy is in its early stages of development worldwide, but Ireland is one of the best placed countries to capitalise on this resource and to develop a viable industry. The overall objective is to provide the infrastructure so that Ireland will be a world leader in harnessing ocean energy. While spend was below target in 2008, as it took time to get the new scheme in place, it is expected that some €7 million will be expended under this heading in 2009.

A world class communications infrastructure is critical to our continued economic and social prosperity. The Government is setting the development of a knowledge society at the heart of our economic and social policies. If it is to be effective, Ireland requires a national broadband infrastructure of world class standards. This will attract the cutting edge knowledge-based industries needed to secure Ireland's future economic prosperity and competitiveness. Equally, this will benefit society and the consumer by delivering greater broadband coverage, lower costs and higher speeds.

I am pleased to say that broadband is now available in almost all parts of Ireland through a combination of digital subscriber line, fixed wireless, cable, mobile and satellite technologies. The Government announced last week its intention to ensure the availability of broadband throughout the country.

Many difficult decisions need to and will be made. There has been much doom and gloom in recent times, which is understandable. However, it is the Government's job to replace that with hope. We have shown in the past that we have the capacity to make this country great, not alone in economic terms but from a business and sporting point of view. Many sporting people have given great leadership to this country and have shown we can compete with the best. The situation need be no different when it comes to governing and tough decision-making.

I am delighted with the support of the social partners and wish them well in the negotiations. It is hoped that next week they will provide the agreement that will be the springboard for economic recovery of the country.

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