Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Martin raised three issues, including the global projections for growth and the comments of Ms Lagarde of the IMF. Given the uncertainty in many markets internationally, including the United States, the Far East and Europe and the eurozone, it is difficult to predict with accuracy the global growth figures for several years ahead. Even against a global recession, for the past number of years Ireland's exports continued to grow strongly because of the exporting sectors this country is involved in, including the agri-sector, pharmaceuticals and software. In those areas, projections and plans of Government are to continue, both with the very strong foreign direct investment stream and the initiatives taken by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton. These will focus on growing the indigenous economy with support from Enterprise Ireland for companies with the capacity to manufacture and export.

Deputy Martin also referred to the NewERA programme but he is referring to two different things. The Fine Gael Party had a particular view of the NewERA programme prior to the election. This Government is in office eight months today. The programme for Government set out the position for NewERA, which is fixed within the NTMA as an entity. It has a director and a specific remit in terms of evaluation of the potential sale of State assets. The programme for Government says that, over the period of the programme, the Government will realise €2 billion from the sale of State assets. The troika may want a higher figure and there have been discussions with the troika about how any potential sale of assets could be used, either for debt reduction or a jobs initiative, for which the Government has a strong preference. Regarding the jobs initiative, the impact of the reduction of VAT and PRSI had a direct impact on the hospitality sector and on job creation and growth. There is also a job bridge facility and the internship scheme. I would like to think these could operate immediately to maximum impact but it does not work that way. As we focus on the budget in the period ahead, in meeting the target of 8.6%, we will focus on not taxing work unduly and on creating initiatives to open new doors for the creation of business and jobs. I will send Deputy Martin, Deputy Adams and the other party leaders an invitation to avail of the facility of costing the programmes of Opposition parties for the budget.

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