Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Is the Taoiseach saying the committee dealing with sustainable economic renewal discussed this action plan? The sum of €500 million is a great deal of money. The Taoiseach referred to assistance for innovation and science related activities and so forth. That is welcome but was the €500 million referred to in the 125 action points in addition to what was in place previously? Does he have an account of what it has been spent on or what elements of it have been spent and, if so, on what they have been spent? Can we identify a report on progress made in dealing with the €500 million innovation fund?

In respect of the committee on sustainable economic renewal, the Minister for Finance, in his budget speech in April, stated:

There is scope to access significant private funds for infrastructure projects in order to sustain as many construction jobs and as much activity as possible... This would support existing PPP projects and other projects previously funded by the Exchequer.

What is the status of the Minister's proposal in this regard? Is an activity report available on what has happened arising from his proposal? Is the Taoiseach able to identify the major capital projects discussed at the economic recovery committee arising from the Minister's comments in April last? Have specific projects been attracted under the public-private partnership system arising from the Minister's comments?

In respect of the European Union, most Members of the House are very happy with the decision taken by the majority of the electorate when it voted last Friday. The European Union has established an €8 billion stimulus package for major projects. Has the economic recovery committee examined this package and is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate the number or kinds of applications, if any, that have been made to the European Union in respect of drawing down some of these funds, which have been made available across the Union, for Ireland?

See this speech in context