Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 7: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that the optimum balance is achievable in the context of savings under the capital and current programme; the extent to which previously identified or new targets are attainable while at the same time facilitating in so far as possible job creation opportunities, unemployment alleviation by way of interim schemes and specifically identified targets for each Government Department culminating in a competitive and growing economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35196/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Government is currently examining all options as regards the required consolidation in 2012, including the results of the comprehensive review of expenditure and the capital review and is steadfast in its determination to ensure the targets set out in the medium-term fiscal statement are met while prioritising programmes and projects that best support economic recovery.

As regards the balance between current and capital expenditure, the State has made huge strides in closing our infrastructure gap over recent years. For example, the national network of world-class motorways is now substantially complete and this progress allows us scope to scale back our capital allocation so that we can prioritise investment in the most high growth, high employment sectors.

The frontloading of capital consolidation also creates the scope to implement the large scale reforms on current expenditure that are required in the early years of the programme to ensure the impact of current consolidation on the most vulnerable in society is mitigated to the greatest extent possible, while still delivering on our commitments under the EU-IMF programme of financial support.

We are continuing to fix the public finances and the banking system. In addition, we are focusing our constrained resources and limited flexibility on supporting job creation in specific areas with the greatest potential for employment growth, as we have done in the jobs initiative. Within the framework of the agreed consolidation, the Government is committed to promoting job creation and enhancing its labour market activation strategy to ensure the unemployed, particularly the long-term unemployed, are in a position to take up jobs as soon as possible in our economy.

Our aim is that every individual on the live register will have deeper and more regular engagement and support according to their needs and will be offered job search assistance with appropriate education, training or work experience opportunity to increase their employability and keep them close to the labour market. To achieve this aim, next year a fundamental restructuring of the institutional framework for labour market activation is being put in place through the establishment of the national employment and entitlements service and the new further education and training authority. More regular engagement with unemployed people through these new structures will bring our labour market activation strategy into line with best international practice.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. I do not wish to intrude into the budgetary area to an unnecessary extent and I am sure the Minister would not want me to. Is he is satisfied that each Department is capable of playing the necessary role to bridge the gaps that have been identified and make the necessary contributions in terms of the alleviation of unemployment and meeting the targets already committed to by previous Administrations and the current Administration?