Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, has good news for me too. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this issue. In the three years I have been a Member of the House, I have often raised issues relating to my constituency. I remind colleagues I represent Dublin South-West which embraces Brittas, Firhouse, Templeogue, Greenhills and, of course, Tallaght.

Tallaght has become the third largest population centre in the country. We often talk about Tallaght and the fact it has the population of a city but the status of a village. Since the Square opened on 23 October 1990, the situation has changed dramatically in Tallaght. The Ceann Comhairle does not like me reminding him but he played a significant role in that regard when, as a former Minister for Health, he progressed Tallaght hospital which will celebrate its seventh birthday this year.

I invite all colleagues to visit Tallaght, in particular the Minister of State. One can travel to Tallaght quite easily now on the good roads and on the excellent Luas. I have a problem with the bus service but that is an issue for another occasion. In Tallaght, one will see all the facilities one would expect in a major population centre. We have the council headquarters, the district library, the hospital, which I already mentioned, the Square with more than 128 shops, seven major stores and 12 cinemas and the institute of technology which provides great opportunities for people and works with local second level schools.

It is important I am positive about Tallaght. Tallaght has a large and young population. We estimate there are approximately 25,000 young people in all the excellent schools in Tallaght. One must understand, therefore, that we are entitled to fight as hard as we must with all the other centres in respect of job creation.

Unfortunately, in recent times, there have been job losses in Tallaght and this Adjournment debate highlights the fact that while we welcome the reorganisation of the Jacobs Fruitfield plant, it has led to the shedding of 40 jobs. That is something which concerns us. It is not just a numbers game. If one understands the point I made about the population and the age profile, Tallaght needs more jobs and not fewer. Each time we lose jobs, things become much more difficult.

It is important the Minister, the Department and particularly the State agencies charged with the responsibility of bringing jobs to our country understand that Tallaght must fight its corner. It is important Tallaght gets more job announcements rather than job loss announcements. This Adjournment debate aims to highlight that.

Will the Minister of State convey to his colleague, the Minister, Deputy Martin, the need to take a particular interest in Tallaght? I have no argument with any other part of the country but there is a case to be made for Tallaght. If one looks at the figures in respect of Tallaght, it is a well-worn path as far as the Department's considerations are concerned. It is very important something definite is done. I hope there are no more job losses in Tallaght and I applaud the various employers there and the chamber of commerce which does a tremendous job.

Tallaght is a great and positive place and is a good location for employers. The Minister of State would be very welcome if he would like to take up my invitation to visit Tallaght. I would be happy to show him around and show him all the positive things, particularly the Garda station which needs redevelopment. The Taoiseach is visiting on Friday, so the Minister of State would be very welcome. I hope he takes account of what I have said. Tallaght needs jobs and not job losses.

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