Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

I join the previous speaker in welcoming the jobs initiative which was introduced only nine weeks into the life of the Government. While it is a modest proposal and first step, it is also a statement of intent by the Government that despite the economic troubles, our focus is on getting the country back to work.

I welcome Deputy Brendan Smith's positive approach to the initiative, especially as some of the previous responses from Opposition Deputies were highly negative. Today's contributions have been notable for their greater positivity, with the exception of those of Deputies from the People Before Profit Alliance which objects to everything and does not find positives in anything.

I propose to respond to Deputy Crowe's positive comments on the apprenticeship scheme. As a member of Dublin City Council, I was heavily involved in getting a pilot scheme up and running to allow apprentices finish their term. We must allow young people to complete their apprenticeships and obtain a qualification in order that they have an opportunity to secure employment when the uplift comes or can emigrate for a number of years, as I did, before returning to contribute their skills to the economy. I welcome Deputy Crowe's remarks and ask the Minister to consider carefully his proposal to establish a scheme to allow those who have served three or four years to complete their apprenticeship. I also ask him to expand the schemes in place in local authorities in the Dublin region and perhaps extend them to the Office of Public Works and local authorities nationwide.

The recent general election campaign will have made all Deputies aware of the pain of unemployment being experienced by virtually every household. We all know someone who is long-term unemployed and all of us are familiar with the effects of unemployment, including depression and chaotic lifestyles. As I stated, the jobs initiative is only a first step and will not resolve the problem of 460,000 people unemployed. I hope, however, that it sends a clear message that this House is serious about working together to get people back to work. The majority of Deputies who spoke today made positive contributions and put forward good ideas which can be built on and expanded. I commend Members who have approached this debate in a positive manner.

The number of people signing on in Dublin continues to rise. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show an above average increase in unemployment in Dublin compared to the rest of the country. Every organ of government must focus on job creation as we tackle the mess we inherited from the previous Government. The proposals on tourism are important, particularly in Dublin where the sector provides employment opportunities for people on relatively low incomes, many of whom did not have an opportunity to access third level education. The reduction in the VAT rate will result in growth in the tourism sector, as will the forthcoming visits of President Obama and the Queen and the UEFA Cup final, which will be held in Dublin. The reduction in airport taxes and introduction of a visa waiver scheme as the Olympic Games in London approach should also boost visitor numbers.

Deputy Smith briefly referred to tourism and strongly welcomed the reduction in VAT and PRSI. I fully concur that this must be monitored to ensure the reductions are passed on to tourists and customers and result in a boost in confidence and business.

The measures on education, including an increase of 1,000 in the number of post-leaving certificate places, are welcome. In this respect, I ask the Minister to ensure the capital is not overlooked as it was in the past when it did not receive a fair share of PLC places.

The master plan for Dublin Port provides for the development of a cruise liner terminus. It would require only a relatively small investment to attract cruise liners to Dublin, boost tourism in the city and showcase the country as a whole. I ask the Minister responsible to work with Dublin Port to fast-track this development as it would make a meaningful contribution to the city. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his patience.

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