Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of steps taken to implement the Government Smart Economy document; the timetable set for each action point; the budget allocated for each action point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19939/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's Framework for Economic Renewal (Building Ireland's Smart Economy) incorporates a wide variety of actions to address the current economic challenges and also to focus on a return to sustainable economic growth.

The Cabinet Committee for Economic Renewal is driving implementation and co-ordination of the overall framework, and was specifically set up for this purpose. Across Government, we are continuing to implement the policies identified that will build on our previous achievements and address our immediate economic difficulties to restore confidence and maximise economic activity and employment.

Within my own Department I am driving implementation of almost 100 actions identified in the Smart Economy publication falling under my responsibility, covering enterprise, labour, research and innovation and competitiveness issues.

The clear priorities of my Department are: · Measures to assist those who have lost their jobs · Training and retraining · Providing assistance for the enterprise sector · A continued focus on pro-business and pro- enterprise policies · Restoring cost competitiveness

The timelines required for each action are currently being examined and will be reported to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal as part of the overall SMART Economy reporting framework within the coming weeks. It is not possible to allocate a budget for each individual action point as many actions involve other Ministers and Departments acting jointly. The expenditure already voted for my department will be used to support the priorities outlined above.

We have prioritised and re-allocated the resources needed to achieve these actions. I believe that if we are careful in using the experience of our previous successes, and continue to have a long-term strategic focus then we can once again transform Ireland back to a strong, R&D driven, innovative and competitive economy. We are committed to ensuring that the conditions are right to capitalise on opportunities which will arise when global recovery begins.