Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fraser and his colleagues for attending. It is useful to ask questions, particularly on economic matters. I refer to how Ministers present figures. Questions have been raised about this matter. We have questions about the accuracy of the figures and whether they present the whole picture. It is important that the Government does so.

With regard to the recent announcements on the targets for job creation and growth, there was an announcement of 12,800 net full-time jobs lost, but the good news was that they had been replaced with 14,000 jobs. However, they were part-time jobs. Many of the people concerned are on the live register as they are working fewer than three days a week. Perhaps that issue might be addressed. The officials working with the Taoiseach and other Ministers present the figures and it is important that they are presented accurately. Some of the 14,000 people concerned will be working for a fraction of the pay of the workers who lost jobs are included in the figure of 12,800 net full-time lost.

The second question concerns priority H and helping to maintain and build the peace process and build new relationships on this island and the island of England, Scotland and Wales in pursuit of implementation of all aspects of the St. Andrews Agreement. As part of the agreement, a stimulus package was announced and Britain gave a commitment to implement it. How many times has the Taoiseach raised the issue with British officials or Ministers?