Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister of State aware that the NCC has pointed out the need for a process of implementation of the competitiveness agenda? In this important area, both Forfás and the NCC have confirmed that the Government is pursuing a policy that is absolutely perverse. Who in Government is taking responsibility for delivering change in light of the cost in jobs and opportunities? Clarity is needed on this. The fact that the Minister is defending constituency interests or pursuing a particular approach should not blind the Government to the need for a cross-departmental approach to creating and protecting jobs. The Minister of State needs to get his finger out instead of supplying the standard answers.

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