Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I do not doubt for one moment the Taoiseach's or his Ministers' sincerity in wanting to create jobs. The reality is that it is difficult for an austerity package and a stimulus package to live together. It is unlikely there will be a stimulus package from Europe while this compact exists. He spoke about activation clauses and activation plans. Can he provide us with a forecast figure - as he did in respect of growth last week - for the unemployment rate in this country over the coming two to three years, or does he agree with the forecasts by the Department of Finance?

See this speech in context