James Bannon (Fine Gael)

On another issue, I ask for a debate on the future of EU cohesion policy in Ireland post-2006. I understand submissions are being made by a number of bodies as regards funding post-2006. It is important we have a debate on this issue in terms of the country's competitiveness, growth etc. We want to see real balanced regional development. There has been much talk about this by Government, but it has not happened to date, as indicated by the infrastructure in parts of the midlands and west. I would welcome a debate on this.

On another issue, there has been an enormous growth in the unemployment figures. In the past five months more than 10,000 people have become unemployed in this country. It is important to have a debate on this issue.