Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

I am sorry to have to disagree with my colleague, Deputy Keaveney, but the scourge of unemployment is noticeable in urban areas. On one road in my area, five young people have emigrated. On Friday of last week an elderly gentleman and his son came to my clinic. The man said there is nothing for his son but emigration. We are all feeling the pain across the country.

Young people have said to me that they want some way to help them keep their skills up to date. They want to grow, learn and to get experience. The internship provides an opportunity for that. It is innovative and has been broadly welcomed. We must be careful to monitor the situation. I take on board what people are saying but it is wrong to rubbish every positive proposal. We must try new mechanisms to keep young people in this country and keep their skills updated so that when the upturn comes they are in a position to take up jobs. I very much welcome the proposal for the internship programme.

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