Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Any independent economist would argue that the measures taken by this Government since coming into office have not resulted in jobs. There has been a decline in job numbers. The measures being taken are geared towards rebalancing the books to suit the fiscal arrangements. It is not honest to say that the Government has worked towards job creation. There is no investment and the banks are closed to people wishing to obtain loans.

The Minister did not respond to my question in regard to whether he believes the private sector can do things better than the public sector.

See this speech in context