Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak in this urgent debate on the jobs crisis on the northside of Dublin. I raise this issue on behalf of the people of Coolock, Edenmore, Whitehall, Marino, Fairview, Beaumont, Artane, Raheny, Killester and Clontarf.

There are now 400,000 people unemployed, thousands of whom live on the northside of Dublin. I stand up for them tonight to put their case to the Minister. In recent weeks, there have been great debates about banking and pensions. Tonight, I put the question: "Who is talking about the unemployed and those losing their jobs?" This is why we need a jobs strategy now. We also need new and radical ideas to develop that strategy. I accept that €30 million was made available in support of companies on the northside of Dublin, especially in my area of Dublin North-Central, and I was part of pushing that agenda. However, we must do a great deal more. We need new ideas and this is why I warmly welcome the www.thinkirish.ie campaign to create 20,000 new jobs. This campaign is excellent. It is a new consumer campaign and a crusade which is going from strength to strength. I call on everyone in the Oireachtas to lend their support to help make it stronger. The thinkirish.ie initiative is a not-for-profit, grassroots initiative that encourages Irish households to switch €20 of their weekly household spend to Irish-made goods and services in an effort to create 20,000 new jobs.

The organisation was not established by corporate Ireland or any industry or interest group, but by a group of concerned citizens who wish to see the economy back on track. It is an example of real people-power at work and it is beginning to gain traction with ordinary people the length and breadth of the country. Ultimately, we wish to see stronger indigenous industry generate more jobs and take people off the dole queues. Success in the domestic market is critical for all these companies if they are to expand and take on the risks associated with entering export markets. Their success is intrinsically linked to the support they receive from Irish consumers. This is why I wish to stimulate and prompt debate on the issue and tonight's debate is part of this process.

A key part of the campaign is the recent launch of Ireland's first and only comprehensive on-line directory of Irish-made and Irish-grown products. Consumers may access independent information on goods with a genuine Irish provenance. While recognising that official Government aid for the campaign may be difficult to reconcile with EU competition law, I believe we are uniquely placed to assist in generating additional momentum behind the campaign. I raise the issue because I believe it is very important that all Members get behind the campaign and I call on everyone to support those involved and to make people aware of it. Perhaps politicians could include details of the campaign in their local newsletter or e-mail details to constituents. We should also encourage local producers and manufacturers to list their businesses in the directory. Product listings are provided free of charge and offer a superb promotional opportunity for local businesses. I urge Members to champion the cause with people they believe may help with their campaign in whatever capacity is appropriate. This is a bootstrap initiative with a great need for additional resources. Everyone involved in the campaign would welcome assistance, especially by the Minister, in the campaign to create more jobs.

I urge the Minister to support sensible plans to create jobs on the northside of Dublin. I urge all politicians to stop bickering over small things and to focus on employment. If we wish to get out of this economic mess, we need jobs and investment to assist in dealing with the national debt. Management means doing things right. Leadership means doing the right things. I urge the Minister to act now on the jobs crisis on the northside of Dublin.

See this speech in context