Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps you would let me know when I have five minutes left, Chairman, as I wish to raise another issue with the Minister. It is a little like the Minister talking about travelling in hope and taking a walk on the wild side. He is quite good with the story.

We ought not to undersell the achievement. We should clearly note the 5,001 jobs that are being created and the positive effects that has had on families who have had a husband or wife back in employment. That is very positive in the market. The Minister has also pointed to the strong retail sales figures. Deputy Donnelly referred to the imbalance between the number of males and females getting back into the workforce. Looking at the figures in the retail sector, there is a great deal of female employment within that sector. I agree with Deputy Donnelly's suggestion to look at child care. That is a big enabler for getting women, especially young women, back into the workforce. We know there is a review of policies relating to the construction industry coming down the line and we have seen the retail sales for the opening months of this year. Is the Minister being conservative in his estimations of employment and the cost within that element? That is my first question. The second is different, so perhaps the Minister would reply to that first.