Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am just taking the stark statement made by the Senator who said that if people were paid, they would be absent. That was the point she made. However, I do not wish to be distracted as there was a significant number of contributions across the House on the issue.

In his announcement of the legislative programme in the other House up to the end of the year the Government Chief Whip indicated that the jobs issue would be a priority. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Leader to ensure this House reflects the real concern expressed about the 200,000 persons long-term unemployed. There must be ideas and suggestions about what could be done to help them. Senator Mary White is correct - we need to be passionate about the issue. She is correct also about its impact on the mental health of those who are without work. Perhaps the Leader might invite the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, to come to the House to outline the Government's position as the unemployment rate has remained stubbornly high, particularly the number of long-term unemployed. I appreciate the Government has a jobs plan, but it does not appear to work. There is a need to recycle ideas. I ask that the Leader provide time to debate this important matter.