In figures released to the Labour Party, it has been revealed
that the number of people signing on at the Blanchardstown social welfare
office has increased by 53% between May 2007 and September 2008. There are
now 5196 people signing on at the Blanchardstown office, up 1795 from 3401
in May 2007.

Commenting on these figures, Deputy Joan Burton said “These figures bring
home to Blanchardstown the true cost of Cowenomics. According to these
figures, 100 people a month are losing their jobs in Dublin 15 alone. This
is truly shocking.

“This week, the economy hit a new low, and people in every part of the
country are feeling the pain. 300 people are now losing their jobs every
day in Ireland, but our Government has no re-employment strategy.

“I’ve spoken to many local people in recent weeks who have just lost their
jobs or are worried about losing them. Many are worrying how they’re going
to pay for Christmas.

“The unfortunate reality is that many of the new jobless are young men
suffering the fallout from the collapse in construction. Having let the
construction bubble get out of control, the Government needs to get real
about the extent of the economic crisis we face.

“The country needs a new jobs strategy if we are to avoid having
communities like Blanchardstown blighted by big pockets of long-term
unemployment.

“Unemployment must be made public enemy number one.

“The Labour Party launched its ‘New Deal’ this week. This ten point plan
contains concrete, common-sense proposals to get Ireland back working.

“For instance, we are calling for a national insulation scheme to retro-fit
houses and schools across the country, putting construction workers to work
at reducing Ireland’s energy dependency.

“We also suggest a significant primary and secondary school-building scheme
, to put construction workers to work building new schools, refurbishing
old schools and improving educational opportunities for future
generations.”