The Taoiseach indicated that growth in Ireland will produce about 23,000 jobs. Will he tell the House over what period — and in what sectors — he expects these jobs to be created? Will he agree that wage levels are only one factor in a range of complex factors in the question of competitiveness? Will he indicate that he will resist attempts at the Corfu summit to further create what is referred to as a flexible labour market, which essentially means removing the social cover for workers in Europe, particularly in Ireland? Will he resist attempts to create a position whereby employers can hire and fire at will without giving adequate cover to workers? Will the Taoiseach attempt to persuade the German Government to remove its opposition to the Fourth Poverty Programme which is currently held up as a result of German objections. Even though it is minimal in its effects — providing about 3p per head of those currently living on the poverty line in Europe — nevertheless it is the only programme proposed to deal with poverty in Europe?

I am not certain that the last aspect of the Deputy's question will appear on the agenda——

Will the Taoiseach put it on the agenda?

——but if it does, our position will be very clear. We are not in the business of dismantling any of the programmes the Deputy may have in mind, whether on poverty or worker protection. We want to make the Irish economy as competitive as possible. Deputy De Rossa is making one recommendation while Deputy Harney's recommendation is almost the direct opposite, but we want to continue to create more jobs in the economy. We want to ensure better growth and translate that growth into jobs — the projected estimate by economic commentators is 23,000 jobs this year.