Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his answer, even though I do not agree with a great deal of it. He knows, from the experience in our part of the country, that the jobs club is a free service which helps people with job applications and which provides formal training, walk-in support clinics, job interview preparation and information in respect of employment supports. The clubs also arrange the provision of the latter. The list goes on and includes information on employment rights. These supports and services are all very important to a group of people who find it difficult to do interviews.

I am afraid that with all of this privatised system, because that is what is going to happen in most cases, those people will fall through the cracks. We are going to get rid of a system that is, in many parts of the country, really good, effective and free of charge looks out for people who find it difficult to find employment. I believe that the cessation of this service is not a good step and will continue to argue that case. However, I accept that the Minister of State will convey my comments back to the Department. I know that he gave a response on behalf of the Department and I ask him to convey my concerns to the Minister and the officials.