Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for that response. The motion in Fine Gael's name to be taken this evening under Private Members' business deals with the issue of jobs and job creation, which is critical to the economic renewal everybody wants to see happen. The Taoiseach announced yesterday a plan to create 300,000 jobs over the next number of years. I ask that we have the opportunity to have a real discussion about this important document in the House next week or whenever, but soon, and set aside perhaps three hours to allow Members give their views on the various sectors referred to in that document. The fact of the matter is that much of it is double counting. In the past ten years, companies supported by enterprise agencies did create 300,000 new jobs and they were all welcome. However, it is also a fact that 350,000 new jobs were lost. While every new job brings a spin-off——

See this speech in context