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

I thank Deputy Durkan for his key question. It goes to the heart of the situation that the State faces on Brexit; how exactly can we ensure that the economic recovery continues. I have recently published a document form my Department about that very topic. It is about helping firms to innovate, to do research and to make sure they are prepared for Brexit. Earlier today I outlined to the House the range of issues that will make difference in our firms' survival. Access to finance is going to be absolutely critical and I have outlined a detailed approach, including the contacts with the European Commission we are taking in that respect.

We have to ensure that jobs continue to be created. There is no question that we have had a very successful action plan for jobs. It is one of the key instruments to continue to support job creation. The action plan for jobs process is working. Since the plan was launched in early 2012, there are over 225,000 more people at work bringing total employment in the State to more than 2 million in the first half of the year. Unemployment has fallen significantly with 18,000 new jobs created in the first six months of 2017 and in the same period employment grew faster in the regions - this is often not noted - at 2.8% more than in Dublin at 1.5%, with four out of five jobs created in the regions.

The preparation of the action plan for jobs 2018 has started. I held a forum in Farmleigh with all the key sectors to discuss what they felt the Government should prioritise for next year. It was decided that we should focus on a smaller number of actions, but that they should be very key actions with regard to the Brexit challenge and where the economy is at this point.

We will focus on more strategic actions to ensure a significant impact on sustainable jobs creation. There are challenges out there and every action needs to be taken to continue the economic recovery.

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