Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is very difficult to be precise about the numbers who will be working in six months, 18 months or two years time. The Deputy cannot be precise, nor can I, but I can say that the entire focus of this Government is to rectify the position in so far as public finances are concerned, restore those finances to a state of good health and, where we can, provide a stimulus and initiatives to ensure that people, young people in particular, can have career opportunities to pursue in this country if that if their wish.

The Deputy asked me about benchmarks. As I have made known, I have asked each Minister, in respect of his or her responsibilities under the programme for Government, to produce an itemised list of projects and proposals which he or she expects to have implemented within the first 100 days. We have also made it clear that we intend to introduce a jobs budget and set out the conditions for it, whereby confidence can be restored and initiatives taken to create employment and training opportunities.

In respect of social inclusiveness, one of the great tragedies of the last decade was the chasm that opened between government and the people. The arm of democracy never reached thousands of people throughout the country. They felt isolated, alone and bereft and that they had been left behind with respect to the actions of the Government. That bridge must be rebuilt and the reconnection made again in a strong way. A good Government which listens to people and works with them in a spirit of co-operation can rebuild it and our reputation at home and abroad can be restored.

The Deputy is wrong to say the Minister for Finance jettisoned burden sharing, a matter that will be discussed later today in the Dáil when the Deputy will have an opportunity to make his points. There are serious issues to be discussed at the Council meeting on Thursday and Friday, including the unfolding situation in Libya and the provision of further support from the European Union for the stricken people of Japan following the tsunami, earthquake and the problems with the nuclear reactor. The economic situation will be the focus of the Heads of Government on Thursday and Friday. I cannot say what the outcome will be because I would like to be clear on the extent of exposure in the banks to indebtedness and, as the Deputy is aware, the stress tests are being completed.

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