Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Ms O'Donoghue. It has been an interesting morning hearing about the vast scope of work for which her Department is responsible and the significant impact it has on the country. In Ms O'Donoghue's opening statement, she spoke of the functions of the Department. Naturally, most associate the Department with income support but Ms O'Donoghue went on to speak about, in particular, the activation of those of working age and the Department's role in that respect. Briefly, I will touch on that.

Ms O'Donoghue spoke about the second jobs week that was held in September of this year and the fact that it was held in every region. I ask her to speak about the success of earlier events and the direct correlation between those coming off the live register and the schemes and events the Department runs. I ask that Ms O'Donoghue speak about the areas, by geographical region, age group and black spots, that remain a worry for her as well.