James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is three and a half years - just over 1,300 days - since the Government came to office. It is worth recalling what things were like when we came to power. I refer to an article published in The Irish Timesin March 2011, which states:

Ireland’s appalling implosion still elicits a sense of astonishment. By far the prime response is to wonder how things became so bad so quickly in a country which seemed not long ago to have been doing so well. A small country held out as an exemplar for others is now quite the opposite. Changing that perception won’t be easy.

The Government did not waste time wondering how matters became so bad so quickly. Instead, it focused on solutions. We all know that it has not been easy. We have been obliged to take decisions that no government would want to take and the Irish people have had to make tremendous sacrifices. However, those decisions and sacrifices are now paying dividends. We have reclaimed our economic sovereignty and Ireland's international standing has been repaired. The country is standing on its own two feet again and we are able to make choices for ourselves.

Ireland recently raised almost €4 billion on its first bond sale since 2009. This is testament to the international respect the country has regained. This could not have been achieved without the leadership of the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny. Few would have been strong enough to take on such an enormous task but this is a man who has dedicated his life to public service. No one has worked harder to secure Ireland's recovery during the past 1,300 days. I know that the Taoiseach remains as committed and determined as ever to ensuring that Ireland continues on the right track. In the three and a half years since we came to office have we got everything right? No. Has every decision been absolutely correct? No. Let us consider what has been achieved, however. Where once Ireland faced complete economic collapse, now there is growing confidence in our economic management. Where once people feared losing their jobs, the Government's action plan has created more than 80,000 jobs. Where once people feared constantly for the future, there is now an increasing sense of security and confidence.

As a GP, I have seen at first hand the devastating impact unemployment has on families and individuals. Not only is there a financial crisis, there is also a crisis of confidence and what can often be a crippling loss of self-esteem. That is why the Government makes no apologies for placing jobs at the heart of its mission. There is no more important goal than to return people to work. Restoring international confidence in Ireland's economic management is crucial in this regard because it is key to securing the inward investment that generates jobs. During the past year over 140,000 people have left the live register in order to take up employment. For each of these individuals and their families, this represents the beginning of a process of healing. That process includes the restoration of workers' sense of self-worth, the return of families' confidence and the revitalisation of communities. In decision after decision, the Government - led by An Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny - has made the right call in order to position this country for a new, more successful future built on wiser and fairer principles.

It is not just about economics but economic recovery is essential to rebuilding our society in order that each and every person will be respected and cared for. I have the great privilege to serve as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I am proud to be a member of the Government which created the first ever Cabinet Minister with responsibility for children and young people; delivered the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support ever embarked upon with the creation of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency; committed an additional €26 million in funding to that agency this year; and maintained its commitment to provide a free year of early childhood care and education for every child in the country, despite the economic pressures that exist. The Government has not finished yet. An Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, continues to lead us in the vital work of rebuilding our society. Not only are he and the Government committed to making Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business, we will also make it the best small country in which to grow up and raise a family in order that we can all look forward to better outcomes and brighter futures.

I commend the motion to the House.

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