Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I would like our Leader, Senator Donie Cassidy, to urgently request the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Coughlan, to come into the House urgently to discuss the rising unemployment level and advise us on how the Government intends to address it. We read in this morning's newspapers that 260,000 people are unemployed, and the figure is rising relentlessly towards 300,000 and possibly 500,000. A total of 15,800 people have become unemployed in the period September-October and men make up 70% of that figure, indicating that the construction industry is shedding workers rapidly. Women make up 1,400 of that figure. That is the first indication that the services sector is affected also.

Last night I attended the Irish exports awards at which the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, made an inspirational speech. He lauded the companies which were up for awards on the dynamism and energy they put into exporting and competing around the world. I draw attention to some points in his speech and to the Central Bank quarterly report, which refers to something I have pleaded for here, namely, that our Government develop a strategy on improving our competitiveness internationally.