Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I do not speak for the ESRI. I listened to the comments that were made this morning by the author of the report. I also listened to the comments of the director of the ESRI. I do not speak for either of them. I do not see why we cannot have an opportunity to discuss these issues through the Oireachtas committees. Unemployment and employment are the most pertinent and fundamental issues that are facing this country and its people. I do not accept the assertion, which the Deputy always blithely throws in, that all of these policies are bad. I am sure she accepts that 11,000 jobs have been created in the hospitality sector. I am sure she is pleased that PayPal will create 1,000 jobs in County Louth, which is the constituency of her party leader. In many areas, this will not be turned around in the next two years. We are dealing with reality here. The Deputy seems to be asserting that the Government should not empathise with those who are living frustrated lives and are under serious pressure because of the current economic circumstances. Does she believe we should not try to understand their needs? Does she think we should not be asking young people what they would like to do?

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