Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

It is quite clear that up to 30 September last year there were 25,000 fewer jobs in the economy. They are black and white statistics from the CSO. It is an indictment of the Government. We all welcome any job announcements from any companies. Unfortunately, the record shows there has been an investment strike over the past few years by private funds. The ESRI is forecasting a reduction of 41,000 jobs in the economy over the next two years. On the basis of those figures, it is time for the Government to start creating jobs.

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