Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat.

In éineacht leis an Teachta Ó Fearghaíl guím áth ar an Taoiseach ina ról mar Uachtarán ar an Aontas Eorpach. Tá difear mór idir an Rialtas agus Sinn Féin, ach ar an ábhar seo tá beannachtaí Shinn Féin ag an Taoiseach. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leis.

One of the major priorities of the Government strategy statement is jobs and growth. The Taoiseach has spoken about monitoring, trying to achieve cohesion and getting everyone working together. On 29 September last, the Government announced a strategic investment fund and indicated that legislative change would be needed to allow for resources to be channelled from the National Pensions Reserve Fund, NPRF, into the productive economy. It is now 2013, the legislative programme has been published and this legislation is not included in it. I presume the heads of the Bill have not been agreed. There does not seem to be any indication that the legislation is due for publication in this term. If this priority was being focused on and monitored, we would be dealing with this important matter in this session. Perhaps the Taoiseach can give us this assurance when he responds to my question.

Funds from the NPRF were to have been channelled into this fund. Sinn Féin has argued for funds from the NPRF to be used to stimulate the economy. The Taoiseach used to rubbish that suggestion in times past. I welcome his conversion to this point of view. The process needs be driven by the Taoiseach's Department and other Departments, particularly the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Can the Taoiseach assure the House, in the ongoing process of Government, that this announcement of 2011 will become a reality? When will that happen? What is the timeframe for that? If there is still a need for legislation when will we see the Bill?

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