Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am appalled that the Seanad is not packed. When the Pathways to Work scheme was announced the other day there was not enough seating available for members of the press. I cannot understand the reason the Chamber is not full. I will not call a quorum as it would draw attention to the absence of so many Senators. All Senators should be in the Chamber because the most important issue facing society is our young people. I refer to our undergraduates, postgraduates, school leavers, early school leavers, those who did not have educational opportunities and those who do not have work, as well as all those aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have lost their jobs. This is a mammoth problem and I congratulate the Minister on a the mammoth task she has done in trying to bring all of the stakeholders together to create some kind of a pathway, bridge or platform for education, training and experience and bring people back into employment. Her work cannot be underestimated. I am appalled, therefore, that the Chamber is virtually empty.

Senator Mooney, a man among women today, cited statistics that are one year old.