Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am anxious to remain in order in answering the Deputy's question. It should be clear to the leader of the Labour Party that all projections for the coming year indicate a net increase in employment of more than 35,000 on an already high level of employment that is unprecedented in the history of the State. I take the point that, as the Deputy well knows, we are engaged in the provision of that new employment in a change in the nature of economic activity. Some of the traditional industries face competitive pressures and we all regret job losses at any time, whether it be those announced this morning or in recent times. I make this point in the context of increasing employment levels overall.

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