Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I am happy to assist the Deputy, who is famous for promoting the interests of Tallaght. We all admire him for that. It is clear that the employment news is good. I have mentioned the results of the quarterly national household survey and the state of the live register. Over 2 million people were in employment in this State in the second quarter of this year. That figure comprises Irish people and the many immigrants who have come to these shores. We warmly embrace the new, modern and multicultural Ireland that is developing. I will convey Deputy O'Connor's wishes for future investment in Tallaght to my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Martin.

Reference has been made to the size of many of the new towns which are developing in the greater Dublin area. Deputy Sargent spoke earlier about some of the towns in Fingal. Deputy O'Connor has always promoted the needs of Tallaght as a major town. I will convey that message to the Minister.

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