Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing us to explore these issues. According to the data published today the total number in the labour force stands at 2,086,300, which accounts for 62.2% of all persons aged 15 or over. The Deputy's question was about long-term unemployment, which actually decreased by 1,600 to 26,200, the corresponding rate falling from 1.4% to 1.3%. That is an important figure but I agree with the Deputy that the Government and social partners must be very vigilant on the plight of low-paid, manual industrial workers. The Government will maintain its focus in that area.

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