Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The projected unemployment figure is based on averages as one cannot say what the definite figure will be. Obviously, we would all like it to be lower than 13.75%. It is important to note that the live register does not exclusively pertain to unemployment claimants as people on part-time assistance and other benefits are also included in it. In this and October's live register, we have seen quite a reduction in the number of people who found themselves unemployed.

There are initiatives with the stabilisation fund and the employment subsidy scheme. We tend to forget there are large investments in the client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Shannon Development. There are also important initiatives in companies developing skills and increases in grants for research and development and the launch of innovation vouchers. I am glad indigenous companies have moved more towards a research and development focus.

There were also 70 high potential start-ups, HPSUs, this year which shows massive investment by Enterprise Ireland in new opportunities. An hour ago, the Government launched its green technology document, based on the work of Joe Harford and the high level action group on the green economy. It is estimated an additional 80,000 jobs can be created in this sector. There is both sustainability and stabilisation of jobs with investment for the future. While we never have enough money, the targets are focussed.

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