Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

There are many so-called economic commentators who support the Taoiseach's particular approach. One of the flaws in their respective presentations time and again is the view that a stimulus package must wait until after the deficit is addressed by 2014. All these points must be addressed together. We must address the deficit, not by the means that the Taoiseach has promoted over three successive budgets. There are alternatives and we ask the Taoiseach to consider them. We have submitted them, argued in their favour and put forward cogent reasons they would work better, but the Taoiseach does not give them any consideration.

The jobs measures announced by the Taoiseach yesterday are high on targets, which is welcome, but low on substance in terms of how they will be realised. I ask the Taoiseach to put the meat to the bones and outline in this House exactly what practical steps he proposes to take. He has given us nothing in regard to his response vis-À-vis the meeting last week with the 11 agencies. Once again, it is all broad-brushstroke stuff. There is no detail on practical steps that can be taken. I ask the Taoiseach again to consider the arguments being presented by Opposition voices who are putting forward real and sound proposals that will sustain existing employment and create new employment, and which the Government now has an opportunity to influence. Will the Taoiseach assure the House that he will consider some of the simple, practical propositions that we have put forward, only two of which I mentioned? We put forward a document containing 80 prior to last year's budget.

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