Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In tandem with that, there is an ambitious programme, Rebuilding Ireland, to address the issues raised by Senators. It is unacceptable for people to be homeless or families to be living in hotel rooms. I live in the real world, in a constituency where people come to me. This is a Government that has set about addressing the issues about which Senators have spoken.

Senators Colm Burke, James Reilly and Gerald Nash raised the issues of unemployment and employment contracts. We should celebrate today. Unemployment is down to 6.8%. There are 65,100 more people back at work. For the 17th successive quarter there has been an increase in the number of people at work. In 2010 the unemployment rate was 15.1% - men and women who had lost hope and who had no chance of finding a job - but today jobs are being created. There is the highest number of people at work since 2008. We were told it could not be done, but we are doing it, with the help of the people. We are getting people back to work. The unemployment rate continues to fall. In 2016, 1,300 more people were back at work every week. Since 2012, 205,900 people are back at work. That is to be celebrated and an achievement many in the House thought would never happen. It is important, therefore, to put things in context.