Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the employment front, construction during 2013 increased for the first time in six years, although it was a small increase. The last quarter was weak, with the previous one being stronger. Part of that may be attributable to poor weather during that quarter. There seems to be opportunity emerging. The Taoiseach has been central to co-ordinating the new strategy, which will be published. That strategy has been co-ordinated in the Taoiseach's office and will be published within weeks. The Taoiseach has sought a response from all Departments to support opportunities in this sector.

I agree with the Deputy that procurement is an important area but public procurement has been constrained by the financial difficulties the country has faced. Some of the innovative approach has been to try to fund procurement, partly off balance sheet, through the likes of the sale of the lottery franchise to fund the national children's hospital and the use of public private partnerships. Innovative approaches are being developed to fund public projects and we will see more of that in the construction plan.

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