Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The moment I start to speak there is a predilection to continue interrupting which does not add to the dignity of the House and does not impart any further relevant information.

We have rising unemployment figures because of the recession and because we earn our living on the basis of our exports and there is less demand for our goods and services now than in the past. That situation has been brought about by this recession. The important point is that we will come through this recession as we have in the past and will do so by taking whatever corrective measures are necessary.

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