Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I wish to focus on the quarterly national household study to which the Minister of State referred. The study has revealed an increase of 6,900 in employment over the past 12 months. However, if the figures are studied in detail, the number of Irish nationals in employment has dropped by 14,800, while employment of non-Irish nationals has increased by 21,500. Is the Minister aware that, at present, non-nationals are out-competing Irish nationals in the employment sector? In manufacturing, for example, there is a 12.6% differential between Irish and non-Irish employment rates. The figure is 12.4% for the wholesale and retail sector and, amazingly, in the construction sector the differential is 12.8%. Part of this is a result of immigrants improving their language skills and moving up the value chain within employment. That is a positive element in our economy. However, there are underlying concerns that must be addressed.

Does the Government have plans to examine those underlying trends and carry out an investigation into the reason for them? Is it the case, for example, that Irish people are not applying for those jobs or are they not getting the jobs for one reason or other, perhaps because they do not have the appropriate skills? Is it the case that the jobs are being created in parts of the country that do not suit the Irish workforce — the migrant workforce is more flexible in moving around the country — or is it due to the work patterns available? It is critical that this trend is examined. We must ensure that indigenous employees can compete effectively for those jobs. As migrants move up the value chain due to their improving language skills and qualifications, it is important that we ensure Irish workers actively compete for employment.

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