Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We have nothing since then. Does the figure relate to the budget's projection of an increase in unemployment over 2012? That projection gives the lie to the claims about macro-employment action plans.

I am alarmed by the Minister of State's claim that the domestic economy is not collapsing. The retail, construction and domestic services sector are in a depressed state. People who are trying their best to survive have become pessimistic about the future. They believe the 2% increase in VAT had a detrimental impact on consumer sentiment and job creation in the domestic economy. People in the retail sector feel sore that the Government reneged on the clear commitment it gave before the election on upward only rent reviews. They also want commercial rates to be reduced to give them breathing space. They cannot point to concrete actions on the part of the Government to alleviate the pressure on them.

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