Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We discussed the economic management council, which I chair. In respect of the sub-committee on economic recovery and jobs, nine different sectors are involved and working groups have been involved at an intensive level for the past number of months. That will be reflected in the programme which the Minister will bring before Government in the next two weeks.

The Cabinet sub-committee is the oversight group which will ensure value for money is achieved in respect of what is being spent. I understand and share the Deputy's view that decisions on multinational investment here do not take place overnight. I have been the first to recognise the value of the intercity routes we have and how they have transformed travel within the country, as well as the possibilities for transport and commerce as a consequence. We have a great deal more to do.

The Government's €17 billion capital programme for the duration of this plan sets out what we hope to achieve in terms of infrastructure and also looks at the possibilities that exist beyond the plan for further investment from other sources and infrastructural projects in Ireland. We could all line out opportunities for investment which would create jobs and have an impact on commerce and economic development.

It is not a question of the sub-committee having to meet every month. The fact it meets and assigns work to different sectors and sectoral groups will culminate in the proposal and programme being brought forward by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in the next two weeks. It will take into account the schemes and opportunities to get effective results from the spend of taxpayers' money. We would like to think that the focus of Government on jobs and job creation will bring tangible benefits to people all over the country as a consequence. No more than having investment in the multinational pipeline, that does not happen overnight.

Several thousand people are now involved in JobBridge, which mostly involve the private sector, and Tuas schemes. I find the results coming from employers are very strong and positive. A great number of qualified young people are being offered permanent jobs or intend to start their own businesses as a consequence of their experience. It is not a case of having the end result now, rather it is a case of serious thought about serious proposals to bring about serious results that will benefit everybody.

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