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

Obviously work needs to be done on an ongoing basis, but more than 13,000 people have returned to work in the south-east region since the launch of the regional action plans initiative in the first quarter of 2015. That is a central pillar. We need a continued focus on the situation the Deputy has described through the regional action plans. The initiatives which are in place have shown results, as can be seen from the figures in respect of people who have become employed but there is still work to be done.

With regard to the institutes of technology, the Technological Universities Bill will be important because it has been shown that things come together when there is such engagement between universities and the technology sector and when young people are provided with the skills necessary for work in foreign direct investment supported companies. Work needs to be done on an ongoing basis. The Action Plan for Jobs will continue to focus on the initiatives which are needed to ensure continued job creation. I expect we will see the improvements which we have already seen being replicated in the period ahead given all the indicators in terms of continued foreign direct investment in Ireland and the indigenous business sector. We are seeing job creation from our own indigenous base here all of the time. I have no doubt that County Wexford will benefit from that, as have other counties.

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