The programme for Government clearly states that its ambition is to create 135,000 jobs outside Dublin. That is very ambitious but it is good. The figures released last week, however, clearly show that there is a huge fall in our exports to Britain, €500 million. That has happened since Brexit. More alarmingly, all that fall is in the food and drinks sector. How are we going to protect those jobs? Jobs are already gone in the mushroom industry and many other smaller food outlets that export to Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England are under serious pressure. We need some type of support from the Government. When will that be forthcoming?

Deputy Eugene Murphy should realise that the figures produced yesterday are the best in nine years. Unemployment is under 6.6% down from 15.2% and the deficit is to be eliminated next year. This is an astonishing performance based on the sacrifices and commitments made by so many people.

The challenge of Brexit.

It is also true to say every sector and every region outside Dublin has shown increased growth in jobs in the last 12 months. The evidence is there before our eyes. Clearly there are challenges in respect of Brexit. We are down €500 million in value in the agrifood sector in six months. That is because of currency fluctuations but firms are managing and beginning to cope with this. Government has considered a range of options to help put together packages that will work with individual companies that operate in different sectors. It is not all about having a pot of money to help company X or company Y. There may be individual circumstances that are different in each case.

They are in trouble.

The commitment stands. There will be 135,000 jobs outside the main Dublin region. Clearly the impact of that action plan is bearing fruit because every region is growing in employment.