Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome the proposals put forward today by the Construction Industry Council for off-balance sheet financing of infrastructural projects. I regret that they are not nearly as ambitious as the proposals put forward by my party a number of weeks ago. We put forward serious proposals that would lead to the creation of 100,000 jobs in four years in a range of areas that of themselves would be an attraction for investment in the country. What is the nature of the discussion the Taoiseach proposes to have with the Construction Industry Council in respect of off-balance sheet financing for infrastructural projects?

The Taoiseach stated social partnership should be based on the key principles of fairness and equity. I share that view. The unfair and inequitable introduction of the pension levy and the manner of its introduction killed social partnership in February. What did the unions ask for that the Government was not able to deliver, which led to a breakdown of the talks? Does the Taoiseach believe the pay element of social partnership is dead? If that is the case, is an alternative being proposed by Government? Is there another method by which it sees social partnership being able to continue? In that regard, will he comment on reports that the Government is considering a new social partnership format and structure? If so, will that include people who have been left out of the previous one, such as consumers, and will the Oireachtas have any role or responsibility in any proposed new social partnership format? Will the Taoiseach comment on those matters first?

See this speech in context