Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

Tonight's debate is highly opportune, given the climate we are experiencing at present. Any job that is lost is a human tragedy for the person who has lost his or her employment and for his or her family and wider community. In common with every other Member, many of my constituents have lost their jobs recently, which is a matter of great concern to me. In mentioning my constituency, I thank the staff of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in the offices of Newcastle West, Kilmallock and Limerick for the humane and efficient manner in which they have treated the many people who have been obliged to present themselves to these offices to access their benefits and entitlements.

This debate is opportune because Members have heard many wild statements to the effect that the Government is not acting in a proactive manner, which I of course completely reject. I will turn this around by asking questions of the Opposition parties. For example, Fine Gael, through its new era vehicle, has stated that it would provide 100,000 jobs. While this sounds great, people in my constituency have heard of it-----

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