Vol. 472 No. 3
28 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the input, if any, he had into the talks on a new national programme; and the submissions, if any, he has made on the importance of continued competitiveness in industry. [23210/96]
As Minister for Enterprise and Employment my priority in relation to any new national economic and social programme is the maintenance and improvement of the competitiveness of Irish-based enterprise, the creation of an environment for business which creates jobs, increases employment and reduces unemployment.
A thriving, vibrant and competitive enterprise sector is essential in terms of improving living standards, progressing social cohesion and the creation of the maximum number of self-sustaining jobs. The Government has acknowledged that the NESC, and NESF, have identified the issues for a new programme and indeed have provided very useful recommendations.
To date the talks are centered on five key strategic areas; macro-economic policy, comprising public expenditure, pay, tax and PRSI; action to promote enterprise and jobs; action to modernise enterprise and further develop workplace partnership; action to modernise the public sector; action for greater social inclusion and a focus on equality.
My Department is playing a full role in terms of its contribution to the current negotiations on a new national programme. As the negotiations are ongoing, it would not be helpful at this stage to elaborate on particular inputs.
