Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister that it is a difficult area and understand why he is reluctant to give exact figures. However, this means the mismatch is almost certain to continue. We do not know how to train people because we do not know where the jobs will be created beyond a vague identification of the sectors. Where does he think jobs will be lost in the coming years? I hope his optimism is justified in regard to bringing the numbers down but there will certainly be job losses.

What store does he put in the forecasts produced by various bodies? The ESRI predicted growth of 2.7%, compared to the Department of Finance's prediction of 1.2%. Previous forecasts have been way off the mark not only in terms of growth, but also predictions of employment numbers. The ESRI, which this week issued a forecast that everybody greeted with enthusiasm, predicted in 2007: "The highest growth is expected among business, financial and legal professionals, whose numbers are predicted to rise by nearly 50%." Are these predictions credible?

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