It was a solid week for job announcements with 590 jobs announced this week for Limerick, Dublin, Cork and Galway.

There was none for Waterford.

I assure Senator Cullinane that Waterford will be next. It is worth reminding the House that 1.93 million people are currently at work and there was an overall increase in employment of 1.5% in the past 12 months. The current unemployment rate is 10.6% which is down, thankfully, from 15.1% in February 2012. The long-term unemployment rate is 6.4%, down from 8.1%. A total of 245,500 people are unemployed, which is down from 300,700.

Is Senator Brennan seeking a debate?

I welcome the continued reduction in the unemployment figures. It would be worthwhile to have a debate on the matter. I encourage the Leader to provide time for such a debate to see how we could further reduce the unemployment rate.