Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the new Minister, Deputy Quinn, and the Ministers of State, Deputy Cannon and Deputy Sherlock, on their appointment and wish them well. They will be looking after an important Department and sector over the forthcoming term. Given their capacity and experience, I have no doubt that they are well equipped to deal with it.

Many of the good aspects of our economy at present are the result of investment in education. At 14%, our level of unemployment is at its highest for a long time, but there is also a very high number of people at work compared with ten years ago. The number of people who are working is a positive feature although we must try to ensure we start creating jobs again. Many of the people who are at work in the economy at present are in jobs which were created as a result of investment in third level education------

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