Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I warmly welcome these changes. The Minister has been very responsive to the discussions we had on Committee Stage. It is important that we recognise that every sector is different and each one needs to start to think fundamentally about the way it does its business. In order to achieve prosperous and competitive enterprises in ten, 15 or 20 years, sectors must start to meet targets. They may do so voluntarily in the first place, as the Minister recognises would be valuable, but over time there will be greater pressure on them to meet targets. It is important that we start to do this. I urge, and have urged, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to play a role in identifying the sectors within his remit where there are opportunities to make our sectors more competitive, prosperous and environmentally sustainable. The same is true of housing and the construction sector. I welcome the approach the Minister is taking. I hope there will be whole-of-government support for that approach and that sectoral leaders will recognise that this is giving them the opportunity to get their house in order, with the support of the Government and with targets they can help shape.

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