Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputies Nolan, Brady, O'Connor, White and Moynihan.

When talking about issues such as this it is appropriate that every Deputy, whether on the Government or the Opposition side, is fully aware of the major difficulties caused to families by unemployment or the fear of losing jobs. We should not politicise things. I am not accusing the Deputies opposite, but the general media comment that somehow the Government is unaware of the challenges confronting families across the country does a disservice to every Member elected to this House. We meet constituents on a daily and weekly basis and we are fully aware of the concerns and plights of families throughout the country who are facing the prospect of unemployment.

We must first acknowledge why we are in these difficulties. There are many factors relevant to this debate. The global credit crisis is causing major distress across the broader economy. That is something most people are beginning to acknowledge. I am delighted that even the Labour Party has acknowledged that the credit crisis is having a major impact on the jobs and lives of ordinary people in this State on a daily basis.

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