I too welcome today's employment figures from the CSO which highlights some good news. That the employment rate has increased by 58,000 in the course of the year and approximately 90% of those jobs are full-time roles is hugely welcome. The trend is accelerating with 1,200 jobs being created per week, an incredible figure of approximately 5,000 on a monthly basis. That follows on from a situation where for the three years before the Government came into office 1,600 jobs per week were being shed. To stop that trend was an achievement. That we are now creating 1,200 jobs per week is a huge success story. While the unemployment figures are still unsatisfactory it is a sign of good things to come.

Employment in the accommodation and food sector is up 11.9% or 1,470. Again, this shows how the employment activation initiatives, such as the 9% VAT rate, are working. It is a real vindication of the macroeconomic policies of the Government. Certainly today's news is good for a change.