Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House. We are in the middle of an economic recession but I do not believe we have had the Minister to the House to address the very serious issue of the emigration that has now begun. Are the Government and the Tánaiste aware that middle income fathers are emigrating, leaving their wives and young children behind? They have no choice but to emigrate because of their commitments. Their jobs are gone and they are faced with moving to places like the Middle East, for example, Abu Dhabi.

This is the Ireland we did not want to see return. It is fine when people are leaving in their twenties for adventure but this is more serious. What hope can the Government offer families who are facing these decisions? When will the Minister come to the House to have a serious debate on the fundamentals of our economy, particularly with a view to examining employment opportunities?

I am delighted the Deputy Leader is in the chair today.