Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I ask for a debate on the live register figures released this morning. They show, sadly, that the overall number unemployed is up by 6,600. These are the real issues that matter to the people whom we are looking to serve. They also show that, despite the Government's best efforts, the economy has now turned so many corners that, tragically, it is back to where it started from. We are facing rising unemployment and rising personal debt. In addition, as I mentioned yesterday on the Order of Business, banks are still not lending. On a number of occasions I have called for a debate on the report of the innovation task force, which report the Government is aiming to use in dealing with the issue of unemployment. It is reported today in the media that one of the hub centres, the national digital research centre, received capital funding of €25 million which the Department of Finance is now claiming did not go through the proper procedure. This highlights the need for a debate on the issue.

I agree with my colleagues that there is a need for the Minister for Social Protection to come to the House to explain his recent comments. I am not quite sure whom he is looking to protect in his new job but it certainly is not the old and anybody who is feeling vulnerable in our society. His recent comments have gone a long way towards inflaming their anxieties and as such his comments need to be clarified to the House as soon as possible.