Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some will sink and others will swim as a result. Senator Mullins welcomed, as do I, the good news that 80,000 more people are at work. People have been calling for a debate on jobs and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, will be with us next week to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs. Senator Mullins and Craughwell referred to guidance teachers and counsellors. I note Senator Craughwell's announcement that he will hold a seminar here on 10 December.

As I doubt whether I will be able to have the Minister come to the House before then, he will be all right in that regard.

Senator Feargal Quinn welcomed the enthusiasm of the new Ministers, Deputies Paschal Donohoe and Alan Kelly, who are former Members of the House. We could add the Minister of State, Deputy Paudie Coffey, to that list. The Senator also mentioned the need to have a Minister for pensions in the next Government and asked for a debate on pensions in the meantime. It is a very important and pressing issue, on which I agree with him. We will try to arrange that debate in the next term. We had such a debate some time ago.

Senator Martin Conway asked for a debate on the issue of casual trading. He said there was a need to update the legislation in that regard.

Senator Trevor Ó Clothartaigh referred to a specific case of victims of sexual abuse and the need for more openness and greater transparency in that regard. I agree with the sentiments he expressed. He has tabled Adjournment matters on the subject; perhaps he might table another.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the good news on jobs, the housing strategy and the tourism figures. Senator Paschal Mooney and other Members on both sides of the House welcomed the 80,000 jobs created. I note the Senator's point on job losses in Carrick-on-Shannon, which are very regrettable. We will have an opportunity to discuss the matter with the Minister next week.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson welcomed the plugging of the loophole in road traffic offences linked with the taking of drugs and asked for a debate on road safety. I will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill, Jim D'Arcy and Paul Bradford referred to the housing strategy.

Senator Mary White referred to the 23% rate of youth unemployment, which is still a major problem, irrespective of how many jobs have been created. It is something we will address next week with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton. The Senator is perfectly correct about exports, which are the key to the success of the economy. It is important for Irish companies to be involved in that sector. There is a need to open markets abroad. I support the Senator's comments in that regard.