Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

There is a need for a real stimulus package with more funds behind it that would go further toward filling the gaps in health, education, energy and vital infrastructure. Nearly 200,000 people are long-term unemployed. This announcement is too late for people who are on the dole or who have already left the State, as mentioned by Senator Ó Murchú.

Will there be social and labour clauses within the public procurement contracts, giving some assurance that thousands of people will be taken off the live register as a result of this stimulus package? Even if the package creates only a minor stimulus, will it include clauses to ensure that social and labour standards are upheld by contractors?

I could not talk about unemployment without mentioning youth unemployment. Can the Leader guarantee the House that the Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise will come to the Seanad as soon as we resume after the summer recess to talk about youth unemployment and emigration?