Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

Approximately 450,000 people are unemployed and although the Minister, Deputy Burton, talks about forcing people off the dole, one does not need to do this. Perhaps one needs to do it to a certain extent, but I note one would force people into taking jobs ahead of other people who want them. Moreover, they probably would not do a good job. One does not need to force people off the dole. Unfortunately, not alone are people being forced off the dole but they are being forced to engage in schemes that no longer are sustainable because of the reduction in material budgets. How does this help employment?

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