John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support those who spoke previously about innovation and job creation that are necessary for the economy. I am conscious in particular that the existence of this Chamber potentially has a question mark over it. What we do in this Chamber and how we do our work for the next term will be important. I suggest to the Deputy Leader that we continue to have debates on the economy, in particular on innovation and jobs.

I am conscious that the Taoiseach has made it clear that we need to get back to 2004 levels for us all to be competitive. On that understanding, there is room for social partnership. We must all realise that we need to go back somewhat to become competitive because the only safe job is a competitive job. We all need to be competitive. With that in mind I will continue to ask for a direction on social partnership that we could discuss in the House under the guideline of becoming competitive. We should also discuss jobs, in particular innovation. In the past Europe has lost out on significant opportunities. Now the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science is an Irish Commissioner. With that in mind, there is great potential. We would serve the country well if we continue to have regular debates on jobs and in particular on innovation.