Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the economic constraints on the country, there is a clear challenge in this regard for a great number of people. Obviously, with 430,000 people on the live register, we have an unemployment situation that is unacceptable. The answer to a great number of these problems obviously is to have the creation of employment and work. However, the issues Deputy Halligan raises are precisely those dealt with in the report. This is the reason the all-party committee of the Oireachtas should conduct a decent analysis of the report and give its recommendations to come back for discussions in this House and which eventually will revert to the Government for a decision. However, I repeat the advisory group was clear on one fundamental issue, which is the importance of the universal payment. The issues the Deputy has raised are precisely those contained in that report and, consequently, Members will have the opportunity to hear the views of Deputy Halligan and others over the coming period.

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