James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to discuss a matter of national importance, namely, the failure of the Government to increase competitiveness and reduce the cost base to attract and retain foreign investment and stem the escalating closure and moving of existing businesses abroad, which is adversely affecting the nationwide employment profile The publication of the live register for March showed a dramatic rise in unemployment levels, particularly in the midlands, with Longford and Westmeath having lost 683 jobs in the past couple of weeks and County Longford having had no such level in March of any previous year. The impact on those workers who have lost their jobs and on their families is shocking and my sympathies go to them.

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