Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)

I welcome the jobs initiative launched on Tuesday last. As some commentators have noted, it puts pre-election words into post-election deeds and this is exactly what this Administration is about, namely, actions over words. The programme for Government contained the commitment to launch a jobs initiative within the first 100 days of office and I therefore am delighted to see this measure being followed through. As it stands, the overall employment rate is just under 15%, which is slightly down on figures from the previous month. However, this means there are still close to half a million people out of work. Given there are so many unemployed and the measures under discussion will help to kick-start economic activity and generate employment, I am amazed by the negative stance taken by some Opposition Members. Comments by people such as Deputy Martin, who stated "Governments don't create jobs", really illustrate Fianna Fáil's continued abysmal contribution to the State's economy, even in opposition. Given that the last Government's approach appeared to be that Governments should kill jobs, the hypocrisy of listening to a man who helped to lead us into our difficult economic position criticise measures that boost job growth would be laughable, were it not so serious.

Fundamentally important sectors are helped by this package of initiatives, not least of which is the tourism sector, which employs thousands of people nationwide. My native garden county of County Wicklow always has had plenty to offer prospective tourists from such old and timeless landmarks like Glendalough to new exhibitions currently on display at Russborough House. However, the tourism industry has suffered greatly during this economic downturn and numbers visiting the country have fallen substantially. I have seen at first hand the closure of local businesses that were dependent on the annual influx of tourists and therefore I welcome the proposals in the initiative.

The abolition of the travel tax on airline passengers will be vital in attracting people from abroad by incentivising more of them to visit. I note the abolition of this pointless Fianna Fáil-inspired tax is being done in conjunction with airlines to restore lost routes, thereby bringing more people to Ireland from a wider catchment area. I welcome the commitment to reform the visa application system for entry into the country. Expense and red tape will be cut for those overseas visitors who already have obtained a visa from the United Kingdom. This will be of enormous benefit to the tourism industry, especially when our close neighbours in London host the Olympic Games next year. The focused nature of the VAT rate cuts will do much to stimulate the industry. The 4.5% cut from the existing rate will be applicable to restaurants, hotels, cinemas, sporting facilities and a host of other venues. In addition, will be the halving of the lower 8.5% rate on employers' PRSI on jobs paying up to €356 per week. Overall, we hope this will give a boost to desperately-needed tourism numbers and the welcome given to the proposals by so many organisations, from the Irish Hotels Federation to the Restaurants Association of Ireland, suggests this may provide that boost.

The challenge of getting people back to work will be directly assisted by investment in public capital projects. Therefore, the additional €60 million funding provided for the regional and local roads investment programme is welcome. Regional and local roads in County Wicklow will benefit to an estimated €1.5 million, affecting 18 different routes throughout the constituency. This is in addition to the initial grant of €3.5 million made available earlier this year. The additional funding will go to much-needed surface restoration and road reconstruction works that are essential following the damage caused by last winter's severe weather.

Regardless of the importance of these initiatives, it also is vital to focus on young people so that they too can have a comprehensive education in adequate facilities and that their future will not amount to leaving the country upon graduation. It is for this reason I welcome the additional €30 million that will go to much-needed works on schools nationwide. A further 13 primary and post-primary schools in the constituency covering County Wicklow and east County Carlow will benefit from the summer works scheme, in addition to the 19 schools that earlier received funding for electrical, gas and mechanical work this summer. The shovel-ready projects that now are being funded will not be the full and final answer to the country's education infrastructural needs but such funding is indicative of a Government that puts children at the heart of policy. Furthermore, precisely because these projects are shovel-ready, there will be an immediate jobs boost for those working on them. Given that the construction industry has suffered immensely during this downturn, this is especially welcome. It is not only important to have adequate educational facilities available, but it is vital that people are able to access the educational opportunities or get the work experience they need for their future careers. The thousands of places that are to be made available in training, work experience and educational opportunities are thus essential.

The jobs initiative therefore is to be welcomed and not opposed. The potential benefits are too important for Opposition Members to play politics with. I acknowledge it will not be a magic bullet for all the ills of the economy but it certainly is a substantial beginning.

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