Fine Gael to raise jobless figures in Dáil

Fine Gael will use Dáil time today to raise concerns about the rising unemployment rate – the highest in seven years.

The party claims a total of 16,300 people joined the Live Register in January and February, bringing the total to 187,900.

Live Register figures for March are expected to show a further rise when they are published on Friday.

Today’s Private Members’ Motion in the name of Fine Gael TDs also claims 20,605 people have lost their jobs since Employment Minister Martin came to office in September 2004.

“The unemployment rate now stands at 5.2%, the highest rate in seven years and it is projected by the ESRI to rise to over 6% by the end of the year to a nine year high,” the motion says.

Some firms where jobs have been lost or threatened since January include:

- Allergan in Arklow,

- Merriot Radiators and Bulmers in Clonmel,

- Xerox and Lucent in Blanchardstown,

- The Burlington Hotel and Arnotts in Dublin,

- Hospira in Donegal,

- Portwest in Westport,

- Jacobs in Tallaght,

- Kingspan in Dungarvan,

- Abbott Laboratories in Galway,

- American Power Conversion in Castlebar,

- Grove Turkeys in Co Monaghan,

- Dawn Meats in Co Roscommon,

- Oatfields in Letterkenny,

- Merriot in Tipperary,

- SFL Engineering,

- Slaney Meats in Kilkenny,

- Nexans in Athlone.

Meanwhile Mr Martin will today launch an expert report on the declining manufacturing sector.

The report looked at the challenges facing the sector and details a radical action plan for employers, employees and the Government.

Fine Gael wants the Government to restore competitiveness in the economy by investing in infrastructure, by controlling inflation through wage moderation and lower utility prices.

The party will also call in the Dáil for a national upskilling programme for 500,000 people over the next 12 years.

The Opposition motion will be debated for two days and voted on tomorrow afternoon.