Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In the aftermath of the strategy being adopted at EU level, national programmes are devised thereafter. We are in the process of discussing the European strategy and the national programme will be devised in the aftermath of decisions adopted by Europe. The general thrust of the strategy proposed, considering the importance of research, development and innovation, is in line with the consensus approach nationally to the general direction the economy needs to go in terms of export-led growth, providing more prospects for business, developing more business and having a good entrepreneurial environment in order to create jobs and get entrepreneurs to come up with ideas to provide the goods and services of tomorrow that provide the jobs of today and tomorrow. I do not have a fundamental problem with the general orientation of the strategy but obviously there are issues, such as those I have mentioned in previous contributions here, which we will highlight. This is so there will not be an understanding that those industries are being relegated or not part of the future of Europe. If the question is what is the national strategy that comes after the adoption of the European strategy currently under debate, dealing with employment is part of the European approach. We will look to Europe to assist to complement the efforts we are making to provide a greater degree of social inclusion in society.

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