Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

There is a need for a debate on a particular aspect of the economy, namely, unemployment and competitiveness. The private sector is taking radical steps to adjust to the new economic circumstances by making dramatic changes to the organisation of companies and to employees' pay and conditions. On a daily basis, unions are accepting changes to circumstances within particular companies. This is having an effect and there has been one extremely positive signal in that the figures for February show that exports have increased. We are fortunate that we have industries such as those relating to pharmaceuticals, information technology and services. There is no doubt that we are heavily dependent on the exports that emanate from these industries.

Adjustments are being made in the private sector and competitiveness is being restored. Let us contrast this with what is happening in the public sector, particularly in respect of matters for which the Government has responsibility, such as meeting the various costs in respect of electricity charges, commercial waste charges, water charges and commercial rates. These costs can be controlled by the Government but we do not see any reductions. Nor do we see progress in the restructuring of the public sector in which costs can be cut and efficiencies improved. This is what makes the resumed partnership talks irrelevant. In current circumstances the private sector is trying to restore competitiveness. If we are to find jobs for the 300,000 unemployed, it can only be done by increased competitiveness in the economy. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come into the House to tell us what the Government is doing to restore competitiveness in the economy. Tough medicine has been taken in the private sector but there has been no movement by the Government on this issue.