Defending the Government's National Development Plan, the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, told the House he would reject the assertion that it lacked a strategy or vision.
In his foreword to the document he had stated that its vision was to ensure the State would remain competitive in the global marketplace and that the fruits of our economic success would be spread more equally at regional level and throughout society. The plan was about improving the quality of life for all our people.
Questions had been raised about the extent to which the programme for infrastructure investment could be delivered. "These concerns are valid, given the massive increase in resources being devoted to ensuring that by the end of the plan the country will possess an infrastructure befitting a modern, dynamic economy. I am confident that the infrastructure programme is deliverable and will be delivered over the plan period."
He said he was determined that the public/private partnership (PPP) potential would be maximised. The PPP plan provision of £1.9 billion was a minimum target. The objective was maximum usage of PPPs consistent with the principles of efficiency and best value.
Responding to claims that there had been insufficient consultation on the plan, Mr McCreevy said it had been formulated after exhaustive consultation.
Summarising its importance, he said the plan aimed to keep the economy at the top of the world competitiveness league. "It will sustain our record level of employment and help thousands of people into jobs over the next seven years - especially the unemployed, young people and women re-entering the labour market.
