Feargal Quinn (Independent)

That is what happened at the time. We got into trouble because we had tried to create jobs that were not sustainable. The ideal course is to establish an environment, in which businesses and viable enterprises can create jobs. This means the State must create opportunities and reduce costs. During yesterday's debate on the economy I referred to energy costs. There is no doubt that we must take further action in respect of such costs. We must also take action on wage costs and the rents business, particularly small and medium enterprises, are obliged to pay.

We can do what must be done. The document with which we have been presented is a step in the right direction, but it is overly optimistic. It is highly unlikely, for example, that figures, to which the Minister of State referred, will be realised. However, let us set ourselves both a challenge and a target. If we were to do so, we would have a much better chance of moving forward.