Kenny defends jobs plan in Dáil

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described as "daft" demands by Sinn Féin to know how many people will be taken off the dole next year by the Government's jobs plan.

Mr Kenny has said asking for specific job creation figures for the Government’s employment action plan is like counting seagulls.

Defending the 270 initiatives announced to drive investment and enterprise, Mr Kenny said it was daft to try to predict the numbers expected to come off the dole each year.

“That’s like saying how many seagulls flew over the Phoenix Park in the last three weeks,” the Taoiseach said.

“This is a daft question. What you need to do is create an atmosphere and opportunity where business can flourish.”

The Action Plan for Jobs aims to get 100,000 people back in work by 2016 and another 100,000 by 2020.

Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams attacked the Government’s plan, claiming many of the ideas have been announced before and warned there is no new money for stimulus.

Mr Adams compared it to the £500m-plus roads and hospitals building programme announced by the Stormont Executive in Belfast.

“Seriously Taoiseach, this is the type of investment and incentive needed,” Mr Adams said.

“I wish you well on all your proposals but this is the only way.”

Mr Adams said it was a contradiction to say jobs could be created through austerity.

“It is good that you will take personal responsibility for delivering on this plan and I look forward to your quarterly reports,” he said.

“However, Taoiseach, this is the third or fourth time you’ve announced some of these proposals.

“Taoiseach, the major problem with your plan is that there is no new money and no meaningful targets.

“The reason that no new money is available is because you remain committed to your austerity programme.”