This means the implementation of the ESRI report on National Investment Priorities in the National Development Plan as well as major changes in the planning and implementation process. The report warns that now is the time to deal with Dublin's public transport crisis. A delay could mean that the development of Dublin and other major cities is set in stone and will prove almost impossible to change. It is critical of the recent Telecom Eireann privatisation, stating that it was too costly and did not maximise the price to the Exchequer. Where State-owned firms operate in competitive markets they should be sold for the highest price attainable.
Immigration is another area where major changes are needed.
Already the number of foreign immigrants exceeds the number with Irish ties. The bulk of these are highly educated and make a significant contribution to the economy. But as the economy continues to boom this will be one of the more attractive labour markets in the world. It is one of the offshoots of economic success with which policy-makers must now grapple. So long used to dealing with economic under-performance, we must now grapple with the headaches of success, if our recent strong economic record is to be maintained.