Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has published the Government's Annual Report on the National Development Plan (NDP) for 2007.

The Minister said: "I am pleased that the Dáil will have an opportunity to debate the publication of the National Development Plan Annual Report 2007."

"I hope Deputies will acknowledge the €22 billion investment under the National Development Plan in 2007 which is contributing to real improvements in the quality of life of Irish citizens."

"The Report gives a comprehensive picture of what has been delivered under the NDP in 2007 and includes detailed information on the financial and real outturns on all programmes and priorities."

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Minister Lenihan said: "The National Development Plan is making real improvements in all sectors of the economy and society, including economic and social infrastructure, education and training, research and development and social inclusion measures."

"Over 4,500 kilometres of non-national roads have been improved; our national road system is consistently improving with the conclusion of 11 significant projects during 2007; and 67 new rail carriages are now operating on the Dublin-Cork route."

"These improvements in the transport system are reducing travel times throughout the State, facilitating more extensive economic development in the regions and also reducing the time people spend commuting."

"Education and training investment will raise the skill levels of our labour force thus supporting people in employment and those seeking employment and also improving our economy’s competitiveness."

"The public investment in these sectors has facilitated FÁS to provide 3.6 million training days to over 96,000 people."

"Investment in social inclusion is also an important component of the NDP and during the year there were major advances including the provision of over 9,000 additional approved childcare places under the National Childcare Investment Sub-Programme," added the minister.

(PR)