Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----but with a direct emphasis on the creation of jobs and initiatives.

Deputy Adams is well aware that the extent of investment and investment opportunities from abroad is strong, as evidenced from the trade surplus based on our exports but our indigenous economy is flat and it is there that confidence measures must be placed. This is why the Government reduced the PRSI for employers. It is also why the Government reduced the VAT applied to the hospitality sector, which had such a direct beneficial impact on this summer alone. It is in those areas that we will continue to focus Government direction.

Of course I am well aware of the difficulties that many communities and people are experiencing these days. There is a rocky period ahead - there is no doubt about that - but the Government will not back away from its responsibility for giving our country back to our people, restoring our economic independence and forging a better future for everybody.

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