Jobless rise shows Government still hasn’t grasped idea of job creation

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan

THE rise increase of 5,200 unemployed people on the Live Register in December shows that the Fianna Fáil-led Government still hasn’t grasped the concept of job creation, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Arthur Morgan TD has said.

And he pointed out that it must be remembered that the true extent of unemployment is hidden behind casual employment in the run-up to Christmas in the retail sector when shops traditionally take on extra holiday staff.

On the figures themselves he said:

These figures are only telling half the story as emigration continues to mask the true extent of the unemployment crisis.

Yesterday’s Exchequer figures showed a positive export performance and there is no doubt that this Government has been successful in exporting its people.

The Sinn Féin TD said the Government is so immersed in bailing out banks and diverting yet more funds into these defunct institutions while more and more people are falling into the unemployment trap.

The jobless figures emphasise the need for a stimulus and job-creation package, the Sinn Féin TD said.

The sooner a general election is called the better.