Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion. I acknowledge the quality of contributions from the Opposition. While we may not agree on many issues, the Government must in the context of the forthcoming budget take on board many of the points made in this debate.

A sound argument was made by an earlier speaker in regard to the role of county enterprise and development boards. To that end, I welcome the dedication, commitment and action of the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, in terms of today's announcement of a €3.5 million capital spend in this area.

It means much to my county, as it will get 10% of the national allocation, €350,000. Tonight, the county manager confirmed to me that this will mean the immediate creation of 50 jobs.

Deputy Tóibín's analysis is correct that we need to penetrate into communities through local small and medium-sized enterprises. The motion, however, unfairly attempts to accuse the Government of not recognising or understanding the difficulties faced by the jobless. Concern for unemployed people and the identification with those who find themselves without work is not a characteristic that should be monopolised by any political party or persuasion. With few exceptions, I did not hear many Opposition Members say they would be prepared to appraise positively the results of the recent jobs initiative.

The initiative is an investment in people resulting from our ongoing success in renegotiating the EU-IMF arrangement. Since the Government took office, it has driven the jobs initiative, making it easier for employers to hire and making it less costly in the recruitment and retention of those seeking jobs with a 50% cut in PRSI rates for workers earning less than €356 a week. The introduction of the 9% VAT rate and the suspension of the air travel tax have also incentivised tourism to Ireland. According to the Restaurants Association of Ireland, up to 500 jobs have been created in its sector since the initiative was put in place.

The significant increase in the number of visitors to the country, with 250,000 extra tourists in the first six months of this year must also be acknowledged. The minimum wage has been restored to €8.65 per hour to maintain decent standards of living and dignity for those who find themselves in low-paid work. It also protects local economies and the Government will legislate for workers affected by the legal dismantling of the old joint labour committees. More training places and back-to-work initiatives have been introduced by the Government such as the internship scheme, JobBridge. Up to 30,000 places have been provided to jobseekers and graduates. This is one of the many planned initiatives to end our economic winter.

These solutions do not take into account, however, the preservation of the 12.5% corporation tax rate over which we faced an onslaught from our European partners. Neither does this motion take into account the proposed landlord and tenant Bill which will abolish upward only rent reviews.

I note the observations from Members opposite about the importance of the Government setting the conditions for employment. The Government can be an agent of change for direct employment. Next week in Tuam, County Galway, the Government will invest €1.1 million in an ambulance base.

See this speech in context