Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have no difficulty in having a debate on the issue of public sector reform but with due courtesy to those people participating in the Croke Park agreement, we should allow them the opportunity to have their meeting this afternoon. On the broader issue, I have no difficulty whatsoever in fully airing this matter in this House.

I welcome the announcement today of 610 jobs in Dublin. It has been a good week for jobs in this country. The Kerry Group has done us proud, Kildare has benefited and now thankfully Dublin has benefited. Not many people know this but some of the worst unemployment black spots in this country are in the Dublin region. We very much welcome those 610 jobs.

I note that our President, Micheal D. Higgins, is doing us proud in Rio de Janeiro. I do not know if people know but the famous Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro will be swathed in green for St. Patrick's Day. It is no mean achievement for this country to have achieved the recognition we have, particularly over the past 12 months, for the upcoming Gathering. I congratulate the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the increasing pace of this event and the good it is doing this country. I also note the great work being done by my party leader, the Tánaiste, in restoring the international reputation of the country.