Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

I join colleagues in welcoming the Government's jobs plan announced yesterday. I particularly welcome its specific targets which means it is more likely to succeed with the creation of 100,000 jobs by 2016 and a further 100,000 by 2020. I have read the jobs plan and I am impressed. It proves that job creation is at the centre of the Government's focus. Two measures caught my eye. First was a measure to encourage all professionals in accounting, taxation and the legal industry to supply the business sector with quotations in advance of any services. That is a positive move and is welcome.

Second, there is mention of placing downward pressure on commercial rents in NAMA properties to drive down the rate of vacancies and potentially save us from a situation like the one that occurred recently with the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield in Dublin where a perfectly viable premises was left empty and unrented for a year because a scheduled rent increase of 50% could not be deferred. These are small moves and are an example of the type of things that are being encouraged by the Government.

I am grateful that Senator Darragh O'Brien and the Opposition welcome the plan. Our earlier debate was constructive. I join other Senators in asking the Leader to arrange a debate on the jobs plan.