Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.

Derek McDowell

Question:

81 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the Estimate for her Department for 1999 is sufficient to allow her to meet all her policy objectives for the year; her policy in regard to public spending generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I am satisfied that the Estimates for my Department for 1999, published last November, and the additional funding provided in the budget, the combined details of which I understand are to be published very shortly, will be sufficient to underpin the programmes and activities carried out by my Department and its agencies in accordance with my objectives. One of my objectives is to get people, particularly young people and the long-term unemployed, into the many jobs becoming available in the economy. In that regard I would instance in particular, the £430 million package – £369 million in the Estimates and a further £14 million in the budget, supplemented by £47 million from the European Social Fund – which will fund the implementation of my employment action plan in its first full year of existance.

The Government's policies are clearly stated in An Action Programme for the Millennium, which we are continuing to implement, with results in terms of record high levels of growth and low levels of inflation and unemployment that are becoming the envy of many of our competitors. We are committed to controlling inflation and public expenditure in the new environment of EMU. We must also ensure that the necessary capital investment is put in place to meet the infrastructural requirements of our growing economy. The Government will continue to reduce the burden of taxation, and the national debt burden. We will pursue these targets so as to maximise the long-term potential for economic growth, employment, social inclusion and improved living standards for all.