Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

It is very disappointing to hear again that there is an increase in the level of unemployment. Last month's figures suggested that there might be some bottoming out in the unemployment level and job losses. Now we are hearing again of an increase - 1,100 on last month - and we have had announcements of job losses in recent weeks. It is a story of continuing economic difficulties here, while there are some signs of recovery in other economies.

I am unclear as to what the social policy unit in the Department of the Taoiseach does. What does it do that the Department of Social and Family Affairs cannot do? Will the Taoiseach give the House some idea as to the size of the unit, and what it costs?

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