Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

We are saving landbanks in Dubai and London but are not able to save the cream of technological skill at Dublin Airport. Half of the 1,100 to 1,200 men employed at SR Technics received their notice last Friday. Members may have heard read out on the "Today with Pat Kenny" programme a sad letter from the wife of one of those workers. She spoke of her husband retching over his breakfast as he faced his last day at work after 30 years service. I am disappointed this issue did not merit mention by the Minister.

A true leader is one who pauses to say capital invested in job training and earn and learn schemes can pay dividends quickly and use welfare money more efficiently. I do not mind so much the proposed reduction from €200 to €100 in social welfare payment for young people because I do not believe a person under 20 years of age should be on the dole. I do not believe that is the place for them.

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