Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No Government has been as committed to job creation as this one. The Deputy can see the fruits of that motivation and work in the numbers of jobs that have been created, which is spreading across the country and different sectors. We will do everything possible to ensure that continues. It has been a driving force behind the work of this and the previous Governments. It is incredibly important for the people of this country, because they want an opportunity to work.

The Minister will answer questions on this matter during Priority Questions later today. She has made it very clear that legal issues are involved and there is no choice but to go out to public procurement at this stage. She has also said she will conduct a review of the overall situation, which is important. She wants to examine the initiative, including its successful elements, and develop knowledge of what has worked and how it could be improved. She is currently setting the guidelines for that review.

There is a legal dispute between ConnectIreland and the IDA, which is regrettable. The Minister has outlined a way forward. The programme has to go out to tender at this point.

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