Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, the Deputy might have that wrong. The unemployment rate is being reduced. We have a target of 200,000 jobs by 2020, of which 135,000 jobs will be in the regions. We are well ahead with 93% of the target already achieved. People are back at work. It is reflected in the fact that I am getting representations about labour shortages. I am being asked by employers to issue work permits to bring people in from abroad.

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