Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Several of the ideas contained in this evening's Private Members' motion from the Opposition are interesting and worth further exploration. Over the past two evenings we have heard from the Tánaiste, Ministers and Deputies about the Government's very real commitment to address the current rising unemployment problem and to take the necessary remedial actions to secure the country's economic and social well-being. However, we should also acknowledge that our present economic crisis is being replicated throughout the world. We are not the only country to be suffering from a major contraction in the public finances and a significant increase in unemployment levels. If we look to our neighbours in the European Union and the United States, we can see that they too are struggling with the same issues we face.

I acknowledge that the scale of our current unemployment problem with approximately 355,000 people on the live register represents a daunting challenge. However, we can overcome it and we will. I am confident the Government will steer Ireland through our present difficulties and place us firmly on the road to recovery. I accept it will be a difficult and lengthy journey. Early next month on 7 April, the Government will introduce a supplementary budget to the House. The budget will contain difficult decisions that will be necessary to get the public finances back on track. The Government will take those decisions, as they will be in the long-term interests of the country.

The current unemployment situation will inform the Government's thinking in regard to the supplementary budget. The Government is acutely aware of the harsh economic realities facing the individuals and families who are now depending on the social supports they receive from being on the live register. We are committed to providing every assistance to these individuals to enable them to get back into employment as soon as possible.

The House heard yesterday and again this evening of the numerous measures and initiatives that are currently in place, which are specifically designed to assist people who are now unemployed. Given the scale of the problem we have expanded the available supports and we will continue to examine how we can further improve the services to assist the unemployed. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Social and Family Affairs are all working closely to respond to the economic situation. Together, they are ensuring that appropriate responses are developed and put in place to meet the up-skilling needs of those who are losing their jobs or facing uncertain employment prospects.

By working closely together the Departments have already identified opportunities for increased collaboration between the institutes of technology, the vocational education colleges and FÁS. Given the current economic circumstances it is important that we ensure we are maximising our substantial investment in our education and training system. By doing so we can leverage increased supports to enable us to respond to the increasing numbers of unemployed.

As Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with responsibility for lifelong learning, I can say that co-operation between the two Departments on the delivery of education and training has never been better. The two Departments are working closely together on employment activation.

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