Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach have information to hand on the extent of the numbers who have emigrated because of the economic situation here in the period to which these figures relate?

While we are at it, the Taoiseach has castigated Opposition parties regularly because of their programmes for job creation not being acceptable to him. I point out three measures the Taoiseach could take now which would have a direct impact on employment and growth and which would provide hope and confidence. First, the Taoiseach could call in the airlines, Ryanair and Aer Lingus, and inform them he is prepared to abolish the travel tax if they meet a targeted increase in tourism and passenger figures into the country, with a direct impact on local employment and spend. Second, as Fine Gael has pointed out, the Taoiseach could introduce a work-share programme now that would take 10,000 off the live register in the short term. No real attempt has been made by Government to do this. Third, there are 80,000 small firms in the country. They employ 800,000 people. It would be possible for every one of those firms to take on one extra person if the Taoiseach releases the obstacles to their so doing, including a reduction in the level of employers' PRSI.

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