Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to make a short contribution to the debate on this motion, particularly in light of the Government's five-year integrated trade, tourism and investment plan that was announced yesterday. In launching the plan, the Government clearly stated that its aim is to secure 300,000 jobs in the next five years. I agree with the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, who stated that export-led growth is the solution. Such growth is the cure and it will ensure that the targets that have been laid down will be met.

The new plan illustrates the Government's commitment to job creation. However, before one job can be created, the conditions for investment must be right. We spent a great deal of time earlier discussing the need to have a properly-functioning banking system. That is one of the prerequisites to job creation. The ultimate determination relating to the cost of Anglo Irish Bank will emerge in the coming days and this will bring about certainty, finality and stability.

The public finances must also be stabilised. Again, the Government is committed to doing this. We have taken some very tough measures and made several harsh decisions. However, it is obvious that a system under which we spend €5 for every €3 we take in is not sustainable. If the banks are not functioning properly and if the public finances are not stable, then the conditions necessary for job creation will not be present. This is a matter upon which we are working.

As a small, open economy on the fringes of Europe, Ireland needs to export. Brand Ireland is, therefore, hugely important and most essential to our recovery. We need to explore all available opportunities to further increase exports. I refer, in this regard, to the export of goods and services. I do not know if anyone else saw a debate shown on TV3 late last night during which an economic journalist berated the Government for promoting tourism. She stated that no one comes here in any event and inquired why there is so much discussion with regard to tourism creating jobs. We should focus on indigenous industries. If tourism is not such an industry, what is? If we are to be treated to the kind of unbalanced commentary to which I refer, then we will certainly not get the right message across.

We aim to increase visitor numbers. Visitors come here and they spend money. We have a great deal to offer but if the media is not balanced and does not promote a positive image of the country, we will find ourselves in trouble. In my constituency, the Ulster Canal, when it is fully opened up, will offer great potential and there is also Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is extremely successful. These are but two small examples of attractions which have brought high numbers of people into the constituency. We may not have good weather but we certainly have the jewels in the crown and these must be exploited.

As the previous speaker indicated, there was a decrease in the number of people on the live register during this month. That is good news and it shows that stabilisation has occurred. However, the figures are still too high. Job creation must continue to be our central focus. I agree with Deputy Brian Hayes who stated that we must protect and sustain existing jobs, create new jobs for graduates and reduce the number of people on the live register. I also agree with his assertion that almost 1.9 million people are in employment. This hugely important fact must not be forgotten.

The daily newspapers make for depressing reading. They are preoccupied with bad news and negativity. There are many small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country which are making tremendous efforts to create jobs. In my constituency several weeks ago, the Shabra Group opened a new extension and created 35 jobs. This story was newsworthy enough to encourage any television channel to send a camera crew to cover the story. I guarantee that if a factory had been closing and if 35 jobs were lost, a queue of camera crews eager to relay the bad news would have been present. When I made a comment during an interview on national radio about the importance of the jobs to which I refer, the presenter of the programme on which I appeared told me to get a grip of myself because only 35 jobs had been created. As far as I am concerned, the creation of one job is of major importance. The creation of 35 is extremely significant. Those who are taking risks, showing initiative and creating jobs are not being given the publicity they deserve.

Deputies referred to the need to create confidence in the economy and to encourage people to spend. Negative commentary will do nothing to assist in the realisation of either of these goals.

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