Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

The Tánaiste and I launched the second annual progress report on the programme for Government on 6 March last. The report sets out the progress made by Government during its second year in office. It shows a Government that is working hard for the people and with the people to rebuild our country and restore Ireland's reputation. While the programme of work ahead is formidable, the Government has achieved much in terms of stabilising the economy and unemployment levels, creating the climate and competitiveness for growth, reducing the cost of the EU-IMF bailout and correcting the public finances. Progress on these issues is critical for future economic stability and growth. There are positive signs that the difficult work is paying off and confidence is returning. Investment in new jobs by foreign firms continues to grow. Exporting companies reported their highest jobs gain since 2006. The value of exported goods is at its highest since 2002. Borrowing is on track to fall below the 3% of GDP target by 2015. The economy has returned to modest growth for two years running. Long-term Government bond yields are at their lowest since before this crisis. We have had success in negotiating the promissory note deal with the troika. Our EU partners have agreed an extension of our borrowings. That is another factor.

The programme for Government is a detailed and ambitious programme of work for the Government over its five-year term. The Government is making good progress on implementing its commitments. Some of them will take longer and will be delivered over the lifetime of the Government. In the two reports published so far, the Government has reported progress on two thirds of its commitments. I will list some of the commitments that were delivered during 2012. The new Intreo service was launched to help get people back into employment. Some 11 Intreo offices have been opened under the direction of the Minister for Social Protection, including those in Arklow, Coolock, Buncrana, Tallaght and Killarney. A further 20 offices are to be opened in 2013 and the remainder will be opened during 2014. There has been a continued focus on job creation. Some 92% of the 2012 jobs action plan has been implemented. A €2.25 billion stimulus in job-rich public infrastructure projects has been secured. Among the key projects are up to 20 new primary care centres, new and replacement school buildings, the new DIT campus at Grangegorman and the new State pathology laboratory. Some €850 million is being provided to upgrade the national motorway and primary route network. Those projects are going through the process of the stimulus programme preparations in the PPP system.

The children's rights referendum, which strengthens children's constitutional rights, was passed last year. Work is well under way on the establishment of the new child and family agency, with draft legislation expected to come to the Government shortly. Ms Norah Gibbons was recently appointed as the first chairperson of the board. A suite of legislation was enacted to enhance child protection in relation to Garda vetting and the reporting of abuse. The future roadmap was published, setting out key reforms to be delivered for universal health insurance. The national carers' strategy was published to acknowledge and support the work of carers. The Constitutional Convention was established - it has met three times to date - to give people an opportunity to have a real say in reforming our Constitution. New personal insolvency legislation was enacted to radically reform bankruptcy law and help distressed borrowers to resolve their debts while remaining in their family homes. An action plan for the fundamental reform of the local government system - to make it more efficient, effective and democratic - was published. A local government Bill is expected to be enacted before the end of the year.

Over the next 12 months, the Government will continue to work to reduce borrowing levels and sustain investor confidence in this country. We will continue to place a strong focus on creating more jobs while making sure, as far as possible, that new jobs go to people on the live register. We will do more to accelerate progress to address the mortgage crisis to ensure individuals and families are offered sustainable solutions. The Government will continue its reform agenda across the political system and the public service while protecting front-line services. The Government entered into a five-year plan. Each Minister will keep working to implement that plan. I have no plans to revise or renegotiate the programme for Government, or to introduce a new programme. There is more than enough work to keep everyone busy for the next three years.

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