Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

They show that compared to the same quarter last year, GDP has fallen by 7.5%, with investment falling by 30.5%. The consequences of these trends are extremely worrying. Reflecting that, we are seeing unemployment numbers rising by 1,000 per day.

Does the Minister agree that it is not sufficient for the Government to chase down the economy with further tax cuts? There must be a positive investment plan designed to protect and create employment. Fine Gael has today put forward proposals for such a plan, which would make investments on a commercial basis that would not draw on the Exchequer. Will the Minister consider the need for such a programme so that parallel to the fiscal correction, we can have a genuine job strategy?

See this speech in context