Heather Humphreys, TD

To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she expects to be in a position to address the employment issue of the long term youth unemployed...

To ask the Minister for Social Protection having regard to the considerable variation in the costs of residential renting in the private sector at different locations throughout the country particularly the greater Dublin area...

This week, as you know, we marked the second anniversary of the new Government. It hasn’t been an easy two years. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, and families are struggling to make ends meet, whether it’s due to falling incomes or rising prices, or the problems of personal or mortgage debt. And as you all know, a lot of businesses are struggling, including hotels in what is a very difficult environment.

he Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D., today (Friday) announced details of the €1 million initial investment in a research programme in data analytics, a key sector growing at 40% per annum worldwide targeted for jobs growth as part of the ‘Disruptive Reforms’ in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2013.

Property Tax Information

Anthony, warning estate agents not to mislead the general public in relation to the property tax.

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the rent supplement limits in Dublin Fingal for two and three bedroomed houses due to the rise of rent in Dublin, its proximity to Dublin City Council areas which are allowed an extra €100, the lack of availability of premises for families seeking two and three bedroomed accommodation, and the distance of up to 28km between the north and south end of the constituency, of which only properties in the most north part of the constituency is a feasible option for accommodation under the rent levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the announcement by the Government of a comprehensive plan to tackle mortgage arrears.

I am delighted to be able to join you again today, and to thank you for the time you are taking to be here, and for all the work of the Assembly throughout the year.