The successes achieved by this country over the period of the four national programmes are well known to everyone in this House. Those in employment, those seeking work and those relying on the State for assistance have all gained from social partnership. Our record speaks for itself. Those at work have received significant increases in their take-home pay. We now have net immigration, whereas not so long ago thousands of our young people had to emigrate to find work.
Employment creation remains the most effective route out of poverty.
Progress made in that regard has transformed the poverty position during the recent years of social partnership. There has also been significantly increased spending on social inclusion measures and public services to the benefit of all citizens. It was only by turning away from the old approach of uncompetitive and inflation-creating income increases that scope emerged for employment gains. It is this interdependence between different groups in society and this interaction between different elements of public policy that is at the heart of social partnership, and at the root of the improved living standards delivered over recent years. Earlier this month I brought in a Budget which contained the biggest tax and social welfare package in the history of the State at 1.5 billion.