I welcome the announcement this morning by Apple that it proposes to create up to 1,000 new jobs at its plant in Hollyhill, Cork, which is in my local authority area of the north west ward. It is a welcome development that will bring the total number of jobs there to over 5,000. I also thank Apple for its contribution to the area, Cork city and this country over the last 30 years. Many spin-off industries are likely to be created as a result of the proposed additional 1,000 jobs to be created. Reference was also made in the announcement to the construction of a new facility on the campus, which it is hoped will be completed by mid-2017. In the context of our discussions on jobs, it is important that we comment on promises which have been delivered on. Time and again, people speak about promises made and not delivered on. This is the one area in respect of which this Government has delivered very effectively.

The jobs about which the Senator is speaking are in the private sector.

It would be appropriate that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation come before the House to discuss his plans for the next two to five years in the context of job creation and the retention of young people in this country. That would be an important debate. Negative issues are constantly spoken about in this House. Let us talk about the positive issues, including the creation of jobs, approximately 1,300 of which are being created per week. That will continue. We all have a part to play in that regard. It is important that we have a debate in this House during which we can identify the issues that are affecting the creation of jobs, be that in relation to small businesses or multinational companies, and try to bring about the change that is necessary to assist everybody wishing to create jobs.