Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Ó Snodaigh. It is very difficult to be specific because it is so huge and so complex. Dr. Johnston mentioned that we need employment to reduce poverty for the productive capacity of the economy and for the common good and societal well being. I would also add in number four there, for personal value. I think that is terribly important. Paragraph four of Dr. Johnston's presentation states, "the working patterns in couple households have changed in that there has been a decline in 'traditional male breadwinner' households". That is accepted. "At the same time, there has been an increase in dual earner households and a growth in households where neither partner is at work." I am very confused. Could she tell me what is the increase and decrease there? What are the statistics?

Dr. Johnston also told us that the operation of the tax and welfare system plays a huge part and she talks about disincentives. Will she outline them specifically?

Dr. Rigney's paper was excellent and I thank him very much for it. Will he outline or does he have any way of outlining what he considers to be low quality jobs? What does this all mean? Will someone tell us what is meant by that? He asks this question, and I remember Ms O'Brien coming in here in 2011 and giving a very good paper on supporting unemployed people. I ask Ms O'Brien if anything has changed. I understand that 2008 was a disaster; we all understand that. We are now in 2015. Is the incantation, if one wishes to call it that, still the same? What has changed? Is there no sustainable unemployment? Are there no opportunities? What has the Department of Social Protection been doing in education, through Intreo, Gateway, Springboard and the education and training boards, ETBs? Have any inroads been made? I wish to find out what is the other side of the actual semi-depression I am listening to that is happening to people.

It was said that a job will not necessarily get a person out of poverty. Can that be elaborated on? Tell us about quality jobs and any changes in 2015, 2014 and late 2013-2014. Have any inroads been made into tackling this enormous, evident and wearing problem? I know these questions are a bit disparate, but I wish to lock into what each of the witnesses said.