James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will share time with Deputy Coffey. Another Deputy is due to arrive as well, but I am uncertain.

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to contribute to this debate. Ireland has moved on much in the three years since the Government came to power, but there is always room for improvement. The Government's plan is to get our country back to work and on track. We are starting to see investment returning to the economy, with many positive job announcements this year. The overall employment levels grew by more than 60,000 in the past 12 months, proof that the Government's jobs strategy is working. During the same period, the private sector added approximately 2,000 jobs. That sector is being supported by the Government's various stimulus plans.

We kept our promise not to raise income tax rates, because a tax on income is a tax on jobs. We defended our corporation tax rate, which is crucial for attracting jobs and investment from abroad. Since entering government, we have worked tirelessly to restore our international reputation. Our now well renowned reputation has helped to bring major job announcements by companies like Google, Mylan, eBay, PayPal, and Irish pharmaceuticals.

Balanced regional development is necessary and we must encourage companies to diversify investment throughout Ireland. I am concerned that many highly educated graduates and members of the trained workforce in the midlands are being abandoned at their greatest hour of need. Some 16,000 people in Longford-Westmeath are waiting for help. They want hope to replace despair by way of a job creation policy for the midlands.

Constructive engagement with the agencies needs to be a feature of the Government's approach to job creation. Social provision is given reluctantly, with every obstacle making the process difficult for claimants. Those who desperately want to return to the workforce find doors closed.

We also need a more visible presence on the international business stage. We have only to consider the Germans, French and British who send their president or prime ministers to sign up new international contracts. We usually send delegations from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. While they are fine people, they do not have the same political clout as a Head of Government. Our Heads of State and Government must take a more active role in securing contracts and deals for Irish firms. In particular, they must lobby Canada, Russia and other oil-rich countries to garner new business for Irish companies. There must be a greater Government push to ensure that Irish business is supported abroad through our ambassadorial network and political input. Our low corporation tax rate of 12.5% and Ireland as a business-friendly country are the carrots that should be used at every opportunity to encourage companies to locate here.

It is important that basic infrastructure such as roads and essential services be supported and maintained. It is also important that the Government give the green light to the motorway between Mullingar and Rooskey, the most critical piece of infrastructure for the midlands.

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