Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The NewERA entity will be established through legislation, which takes time. It is important that we get this right and consult with our colleagues in Government, the Civil Service and the State and semi-State bodies. It is vital to our national recovery that we take the time to get this right and put the investments in place, taking time to sell those non-essential State assets at a time when we will get the greatest benefit from them. The drive and energy will initially be directed towards water infrastructure and broadband. As we move through the programme, it is hoped we will create the thousands of jobs needed. The key is to do this right and ensure the legislation is signed off so we can move forward together. If we do not do that, it will not lead to job creation that is needed.

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