Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This morning, 800 jobs were announced in Dublin. A fortnight ago, there was an investment of €350 million by a multinational in the pharmaceutical sector. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will bring proposals for a jobs action plan to Government within the next two weeks. The Minister for Social Protection will bring in a range of measures to ensure we have a real focus on opportunities for people on the live register to make their contribution, which they want to do, in schemes that provide part-time work, hopefully leading to full-time work, or opportunities to retrain and upskill. The central focus of Government must be on job creation and job initiatives. I do not share the view of Deputy Martin about the VAT reduction in the hospitality sector or the PRSI reduction for lower paid workers. Growth in tourism was 7% last year and, given that we have most of the infrastructure in place, one of the flagship projects for this country for the years ahead is to get people to come here and to give them a quality experience at competitive prices.

The announcements by, and focus of, the Government will be the creation of jobs. The budgetary announcements this year led to credit facilities being made available to those who market goods abroad for sale from Ireland to the BRIC countries. There were tax concessions in respect of research and development for SMEs. The budget included mortgage interest relief for those who purchase houses in 2012 and there is a 10% cushion if they make the purchase in 2012 and prices fall further. No capital gains will apply to commercial property if purchased in 2012 and held for seven years. These are a direct impetus to the market, which will hopefully have a response in stimulating the construction sector from a very low base. That sector is critical in the growth of any economy. Within the next two weeks, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will bring his plan for jobs to Government and, in parallel, the Minister for Social Protection will bring forward her proposals.

The pipeline of investment in the country is quite strong. I have met a number of chief executives in the recent past who are considering investment in Ireland. I cannot say what their decision will be but international confidence in Ireland has risen greatly. It is a statement of confidence that people are making announcements of the significance of today's announcement of 800 jobs. This happens at a time when people seem to think we in this country wallow in troughs of depression and despair. We have difficulties and challenges but the ship is pointed in the right direction and our plan is to fulfil the programme for Government and create a situation where jobs can be created at home and where our young people do not have to leave.

See this speech in context