Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Is the Minister aware of the mass unemployment problem on the north side of Dublin? In some areas the level of youth unemployment is 30% and there is significant emigration. Does the Minister accept that supporting small businesses plays a key role in job creation? If unemployed persons found jobs at the average industrial wage, total earnings would amount to approximately €18 billion. Does the Minister accept that not enough attention is being given to this issue? Some 436,700 people signed on in May. Spending €1 billion on infrastructure would lead to the creation of approximately 10,000 jobs. Has the Minister considered proposals in this regard? Has he considered the role played by the semi-State sector, given the fact that its considerable borrowing power offers significant job creation potential? We can grow our way out of this problem. Many talented individuals are involved in small businesses. With a little help, they could each create three to eight jobs.

See this speech in context