Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Statements have been made in the House concerning FÁS, unemployment and consumer affairs, but the senior line Minister, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has not attended. Why is that? Why have the two Ministers in the eye of the political storm over education and unemployment not attended the House since the budget? This fundamental question must be answered.

An Order of Business is necessary on Friday because we must hear the Government's views and express our own on the important issues of the day. It is what makes the House relevant.