Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Figures from the Central Statistics Office show unemployment now stands at approximately 10%, having reached 15% only a few years ago.

The Minister of State with responsibility for training and apprenticeships received approximately 90 proposals at the end of March and these are being examined. Arising from this, he has already started a new apprenticeship course in stonemasonry, which is a very important activity in Deputy Tom Fleming's part of the country.

Almost 100,000 new jobs have been created in the past four years and we expect between 40,000 and 45,000 new jobs to be created this year and in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. I hope this will bring the country back to full employment. According to the most recent figures, 1.9 million people are working which is the highest number since 2009.

The Deputy raises important issues which are central to the discussion we must have on the spring statement and the direction the country will take in the years ahead.

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