Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Our ultimate objective must be to find a solution for the people who are suffering day in and day out. Many of the generation experiencing the brunt of unemployment were never out of work before the downturn. For them, the social and psychological effects of the inability to secure employment are horrendous, before one even considers the economic impact. The least we can do is to ensure we do not put obstacles in the way of recovery and securing and maintaining existing jobs. I, therefore, appeal to the Minister at this late stage to introduce whatever amendments are necessary in order that we will have a Bill with a less negative impact.