Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

These are Leaders' Questions and I am engaging in preparatory work for the oral questions to be taken later.

Yesterday the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment laughed at the prospect of meeting Mr. Michael O'Leary. No one in north Dublin - real families and real workers with real jobs - is laughing today. The Government has not taken opportunities to secure jobs. The record of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in respect of this matter has been abysmal. Under her stewardship, unemployment has risen to 437,000 and up to 50,000 people have emigrated. The budgetary figures project a further 70,000 job losses this year.

Following much pressure, a meeting is due to take place this evening. That meeting relates to securing 300 high-tech jobs at Dublin Airport. In view of the abysmal record and gross incompetence of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in delivering and securing jobs for this country, is the Taoiseach prepared to take charge of this matter and ensure that the necessary action will be taken in order to secure these jobs for the workers of north Dublin, particularly those who were previously employed by SR Technics? Is he also prepared to demonstrate a willingness and sincerity in the context of doing what is necessary, on behalf of the Government, to secure 300 high-tech jobs at Dublin Airport?

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