Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps the Government will take to invest in increasing the productive capacity of the economy, particularly in terms of ensuring high levels of high quality employment in regard to the commitment contained in the programme for Government. [17150/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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A major part of the €184 billion 7 year investment under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is aimed at increasing the productive capacity of the economy, improving competitiveness and creating the conditions for high levels of quality employment. In particular, I would refer the Deputy to investment in the following key areas:

Within these areas there will be key investment as follows:

The above are all vitally important to maintaining the productive capacity of the economy and will be supported by other investments set out in Plan. The overall objective is a world class infrastructure and R&D system, complemented by the highest quality education and skills services, to ensure a productive and highly skilled workforce. The level of commitment to capital investment is evidenced by the fact that Central Government Investment will rise from around 4.5% of GNP in 2006 to an average of 5.4% of GNP over the period of the Plan.