Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

We are acting in the interests of the people and we govern for all the people rather than just a section. The Minister is being courageous, as we can see from what she said. I am digressing slightly from the amendment. The Minister has been very strong and clear in her approach and we should support and admire such courageousness. Those opposite should put away their political swords and listen because that is what the people want us to do. They want us to govern and give them hope and opportunity. That is what the Bill is about. It is not about scoring political points but it is about telling the 14.5% of people who are unemployed that there is a chance to create jobs. As Deputy Costello noted, if there is a temptation for employers to abuse the system, we should change the system to make it work.

Will we put a value on work and a job or will we create a welfare code that will exist indefinitely, with all of us paying for it? I would rather have people working and making a decisive contribution, which is what the Minister is trying to achieve.

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