Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge that the reduction in employment in the construction industry has had a major effect on our unemployment figures. The required stimulus is being provided through the 5% capital investment plan on which we have agreed, even at a time of unprecedented financial and economic difficulty. Such funding of employment support agencies and others will continue, as will the increased training and supports we are providing in education and through FÁS.

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