Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Finance his view on whether a stimulus package is necessary to lift the economy and to create jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34062/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The restoration of sustainable public finances is a key prerequisite to returning the economy to growth. Ireland remains fully committed to reducing our deficit to below 3% of GDP by end-2014. It is important that we have a credible path to show how we propose to meet this commitment. Accordingly, work is underway on a four-year plan that will set out the annual measures required to restore order to the public finances and bring the deficit below 3% of GDP by end-2014. The four-year plan will be published in early November taking account of the latest economic and fiscal data.

In order to fully underline the strength of our resolve, we will make a significant consolidation effort in 2011. As part of the four year plan we will be incorporating, at a sectoral level, additional measures which will assist the strategy for recovery and jobs being pursued by the Government. As stated by the Taoiseach this week at the launch of Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, jobs are the central priority of Government policy. The focus of all in Government is firmly fixed on improving the fiscal and economic position and at the same time on ensuring that, as far as possible, we protect the economy and generate employment.