Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

The west has a great opportunity to substitute €6 billion in renewable energy projects for €6 billion in fossil fuels, which equates to a €12 billion increase in the economy. There are great opportunities if we take them.

I reject the notion that Michael O'Leary is the only man in the country who can provide jobs. Many different people could provide jobs and we need to focus on a holistic attitude to job creation. Sustainable jobs must be created, not jobs that will disappear to another country on somebody's whim. We need jobs we can keep for good in order that we have a sound base for the economy. It would be appropriate if, in due course, the Taoiseach could come to the House to debate the Government's jobs strategy. That should be the focus for all of us and the party politicking that is going on is disingenuous. We need to take this matter seriously as a Government and as a House.