Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I apologise for my not having been here during her speech but I was listening to it. She touched on the development of EU?US trade. It is important that we continue to develop that. An interesting motion by Mr. William Keating, to come before the US Congress, supports the goals and objectives of Ireland's Presidency. It is a long motion so I will not read it all. It states:

Now, therefore, be itResolved, That the House of Representatives?

(1) supports the goals and objectives of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union;
(2) encourages the launch of United States-European Union trade and investment negotiations that will benefit both United States and European workers alike;
(3) promotes increased transatlantic exchanges and dialogue to further benefit from existing cultural ties and research and development partnerships [?];
(4) affirms the deep roots of common heritage between the United States and Ireland; and
(5) acknowledges the lasting contributions of Irish-Americans to the United States.

It is interesting that this motion is to appear before the US Congress. Now that we hold the Presidency, this is an ideal time to use our connection with the United States and develop trade between that country and Europe. The Minister stated the potential financial benefit for both economies would be in the order of ¤150 billion. It is important for the creation of jobs and generating growth that we grow businesses in which jobs can be created.

The Minister of State referred to funding to deal with youth unemployment, with particular emphasis on training and ensuring potential employees are upskilled so they can take up jobs. It was outlined in a number of debates over the past six to 12 months that companies coming to Ireland find it difficult in some cases to get all the staff they require to take on available jobs. This is because of the skills shortage. We are now responding to that and will continue to do so.

This is an important time for Ireland in terms of influencing how the Union develops. We play a very active part in this regard. Already, we have a major role in developing the Common Agricultural Policy over the coming six to seven years. It is important now that we influence policy designed to develop the economy in each of the 27 member states, soon to become 28 member states. In doing so, we must help to grow trade between the United States and the European Union so jobs will continue to be created and Irish citizens will not have to leave to find employment, not only in other parts of Europe but also farther afield.