Bernard J. Durkan
Question:45 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will give the central thrust and objectives of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Development Plan.
The central objective of the National Development Plan is to ensure the best long term return for the economy by increasing output, economic potential and long term jobs. It is further designed to reintegrate the long term unemployed and those at high risk of becoming so into the economic mainstream.
The plan sets out the Government's strategy to achieve the national and European Community objective of greater economic and social cohesion. The basic elements of that strategy are first, investment in the growth potential of the economy in industry, in tourism and services, in agriculture and natural resources; second, investment in the country's productive infrastructure to improve the capacity and competitiveness of the economy; third, investment in the development of the skills of our people through education and training in order to increase productivity and growth capacity; and fourth, a special increased emphasis on harnessing local community leadership and local initiative.
The plan was discussed in detail in a debate in the Dáil following its publication.