Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are exceptionally proud to be Irish, although one would not think so listening to some of the commentary particularly from the Independent Members, especially Deputy Ross, who quoted the Taoiseach’s statement but seems not to have read or heard it. While criticising the Taoiseach, who is launching a very important initiative in the Irish Financial Services Centre, IFSC, the Deputy has also scurried out of the Chamber. He says he is weary of what the Government has reported here before and after European Council meetings, yet despite our having the fastest growing economy and creating more jobs than any other country in the EU, he is still happy to criticise the Irish people and the job Ministers have done with the occasional support of some in the Opposition. I have rarely heard a constructive point on any issue connected with our economy from Deputy Ross who seems to be only concerned with his own platform as a journalist.

There is €25 million of assistance going to the people of Ukraine with a further €15 million pledged over the next few months. It is essential to develop a co-ordinated approach to the reconstruction of Ukraine. That depends on the continuing peace process.

The country specific recommendations we received were expected. They are in line with what we know already. It is true that the recommendations said we have too much unemployment.

We are aware of this and though unemployment is falling, it is still too high. We have moved to a point now where unemployment in Ireland is very much at the European average. We are also aware of the difficulty we have in respect of jobless households.

I wish to comment on two things which will take place next week. The first is the Eastern Partnership, which was launched in 2009 and aims to accelerate political association and deepen economic integration between the European Union and the partner countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

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