Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The answer to unemployment is employment, job creation and work, which is the focus of this Government. There should be no undue pressures on employment and work, even within the constraints of the loan fund repayment, and we must bring about a stimulus of confidence within our economy. That is what the Government has done in its recent decisions.

As I stated to the Deputy last week, any small business in County Louth - a small shop in Drogheda or Dundalk - losing money week after week will not stay in business unless something happens. It is a similar position with the country, as there is an €18 billion to €20 billion deficit that must be dealt with. The Government was not elected to leave matters as they are with a mandate to sort out these problems. Central to those priorities is the creation of work and employment. That is why on a series of parallel fronts, including the bank issue, Europe, employment and the budgetary deficit, we must examine options in a way that can restore our country's economic independence and sovereignty. It is not an easy challenge.

Within those constraints, the Deputy can take it that the focus of the Government will be to continue to bring about a position where employment can be created. That is the solution to all employment matters. It will give an opportunity for people to get on the ladder to choose different options, such as re-training, upskilling or new opportunities. This will come about when people again have confidence in business, with banks giving credit, and life and career opportunities can best be chosen by people, and young people in particular.

We do not support a position where unemployment remains at its current level. We do not want to see it continue.

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