Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

As I understand it, the Government has already submitted its targets and projections for 2013 and 2014 to the Commission. What additional data will be provided next spring for 2012? As I understand it, the Government has already submitted to the Commission its targets and budgetary objectives to comply with the Growth and Stability Pact until 2013 and 2014. What additional information will be submitted next spring in respect of the 2012 budget that the Commission does not have already?

I refer to the targets set out for 2020. Several targets were set out, including an objective of a 75% level of employment of men and women between the ages of 20 and 64 years. Given the significant size of the live register, how is it proposed that we will reach this target? How far off that target are we already?

I refer to research and development. I understand a target of 3% of GDP for research and development was agreed. This would involve a doubling of the amount committed to research and development here. When can we expect to see progress being made on that target?

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