Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It is all about jobs, a Cheann Comhairle.

Members will know that I live in Tallaght, which I shall mention somewhat. Long before I had any ambitions in politics I was involved in founding an organisation called the Get Tallaght Working group. This has been operating for 26 years and has developed into Partas, which is a community developing group in the general Tallaght region dealing with the need for employment and enterprise. Tallaght, 26 years ago, was a different place to what it is today, and we have made much progress in the interim. It is good to remember that this week on Saturday, The Square in Tallaght will celebrates 20 years. It was opened by a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach and was a very proud day for the people of Tallaght, emphasising as it did the need for job creation. It was the catalyst to get Tallaght working and other groups have shared in this success over the years.

We have many great things there, in what is a city in all but name. I am always encouraging people to jump on the Luas here in the city and go out to Tallaght. However, we still have challenges, as with other communities. In the last year the unemployment figures have increased substantially, so it is important to speak up for jobs. Whatever about all the issues that will be raised over the 48 days between now and budget day, the issue of jobs is crucial. I looked with envy at television pictures on Monday of the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Calleary in Mayo with his senior Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I do not often get the opportunity to stand behind Ministers in front of television cameras, but-----

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