Mr. John Stewart:

We must build on that and it is very important we work collaboratively in the context of job creation and that, in the event that job losses arise from Brexit or other external factors, there is a significant inter-agency approach to working collaboratively. We have come a long way in terms of the reduction in the number of unemployed and the significant increase in the numbers in employment. We should not forget that we lost in excess of 300,000 jobs in the downturn and there were a number of years between 2009 and 2012 where emigration was running in or around 70,000 per annum. These are the facts. In terms of the skills shortages that Mr. Tony Donohoe referred to earlier, many of the skilled tradespeople opted to look for work overseas and availed of significant opportunities. I hope there will now be opportunities for them to consider returning. I know there is some evidence that is beginning to happen.

It is important from an unemployed person's perspective that he or she can access the jobs that are being created and that we can maximise opportunities for people to get those jobs. We should not forget as well, and this is a point that Senator Humphreys made, that the problem has not been solved. There is still a need for first class services and supports for unemployed people. We must remember that as unemployment falls, the people who remain unemployed through no fault of their own will increasingly feel they are unemployed. I would be concerned that there would be a return to the stigma attached to being unemployed. That has not been the case in recent years to the extent that might have existed previously because unemployment and emigration had affected so many families. As the situation improves, people who remain unemployed will begin increasingly to feel the weight of that unemployment on their shoulders. It is for that reason the work of committees such as this one is very important. The committee recommendations are very important. I wish the committee well in its deliberations.