Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Is the point that if we help people towards training, retraining or self-improvement in whatever way suits people and their needs as they see it, that it would be a constructive way? I question the approach not to offer an opportunity for people to work or not to have growth in the economy. In the period in the economy Dr. Boland referred to, the 1950s and 1960s, when there was one breadwinner not everybody had a pair of shoes and not everybody got to university as they can now.

I know I am taking up time. I support the principles outlined, but if we do not have growth in the economy we will not have money to pay to look after people who cannot afford to work or are not able to work.