Yesterday I attended the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs: North East/North West 2015-2017 referred to by Senator Terry Brennan.

It took place in the Boann Distillery in Drogheda. This distillery is owned by Paddy Cooney and his family who are reviving the time-honoured traditions of distilling. They are creating the finest "honey gold", Irish malt and pot still whiskeys for export all over the world.

It sounds lovely.

They are an example of the type of entrepreneur that is mushrooming in this country. It is export-led. Since 2011, the numbers on the live register have dropped by 4,333 in County Louth, by 734 in Ardee, by 2,263 in Drogheda-----

Is the Senator looking for a debate on the issue?

-----and by 1,336 in Dundalk, a drop of 10% this year alone. To answer Senator Gerard P. Craughwell, about whom I think a great deal-----

Think of the malt whiskey at the same time.

The Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, are the great unsung heroes of the Government because-----

Does the Senator have a question?

Yes, I really do. By creating these jobs, we are able to reduce taxes, improve benefits and sustain the economy. That is how we solve the problems. I would like the Minister to come in to talk about the strategy-----

The Senator is way over time.

-----and particularly about Springboard.

Did the Senator get to taste it?

Yes, last week. We were invited up.

Very nice.