Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As for the question on the live register, I understand from memory of yesterday's meeting that the figure is approximately 252,000, or 6.7% of the total workforce. As the Deputy is aware, that figure includes those who are temporarily moving in and out of work and the labour force survey is the most accurate measure of unemployment. However, in respect of the policies that have been enacted by the Government to try to deal with this situation, we already have indicated that as we are in recessionary times, unfortunately we have been obliged to budget for increased unemployment next year. Unfortunately it is true there is an additional cost of approximately €1.25 billion to make provision in the social welfare budget next year for that contingency.

Second, thankfully the Government has been pursuing polices, many of which were opposed by the Deputy in opposition, which have created much employment. Third, as for what the Government now is trying to do, it is ensuring that FÁS and other agencies are providing initiatives and courses to people to help with upskilling. The Government is working on the skills survey outcome, which has come from the people it employs for that purpose. There also is the question of continuing with the correct strategy. First, it is trying to bring order to the public finances, although the Labour Party has opposed all the cuts announced. Second, the Government continues to apply major resources in respect of the strategy on science, technology and innovation although none was applied when the Labour Party was in government.

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