Actually even the thick gobshites in Father Ted would never be so utterly fucking stupid to come out with a comment like that.

Note to Matthews and Linehan - need to concoct even more moronic stereotypes.

its also much better for the person{s self esteem to be on the dole as well; broke, depressed, being regarded as a lazy bastard by the high and mighty.

On the positive side you get to be lectured on a Sunday by some bloke wearing a black dress who dislikes wimmen.

Most likely an overpaid one.

Well it's not different in sentiment in terms of the PLAY culture I have espoused here since day one which we need to move to, to get beyond the boom-bust industrial complex.

He published one book decades ago on prejudice in Ireland and has been living on his increasingly flimsy reputation ever since. Time has overtaken him.

Using his logic, why should Ireland not pay states from which its draws skilled immigrants to staff areas like health care?

The idea that Ireland should pay people to stay unemployed in Ireland being "creative" is the fantasy of an old man who is living in some dancing-at-the-crossroads, John-Hinde-postcard-arran-sweater-wearing-red-hair-and-freckles-turf-cutting past.

Maybe he should speak out on the sexual abuse that was going on in Maynooth instead? Maybe he should suggest that religious orders pay their fair share of the compensation being paid to survivors of residential institution abuse?

I was under the impression that slavery and bonded labor was abolished decades ago, and that the concept of states selling their people is generally frowned upon, Cuban doctors excepted.

There's an intermittant employment status in France for occasional or part-time cultural workers, described here: http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/france.php?aid=429
As with most programs, there are positives and negatives. I would note that it seems much easier for a violinist or pianist to make a modest living in France than in Ireland. That said, I've met far too many young people who self-identify as "actors" despite having just a couple of bit parts or adverts per year.

Well you can't blame them you have to play the part and really put yourself in the role no?

Here's an interesting approach in England:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/jan/24/artists-day-jobs

+1.


Excellent point. It's quite clear that Fr Micheál Mac Gréil SJ has never actually been on the dole himself for any period of time. All signing on does for you is to slowly sap you of the will to live. It has been my personal observation that being on the dole for a long period of time gives you too much time on your hands and you end up getting nothing done. The depression doesn't help either.

WA blasts work visa barrierhttp://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13220555/wa-blasts-work-visa-barrier/

Is this true?
Woud Ireland even have 150,000 people in the right trades and skills who would be willing to relocate temporarily?
Not everyone wants to go so far

Where would they all live?

Wow, that must be almost 10% of the current population of the state.

Ssssshhh. Its a cunning plan.

We send them over there, let them settle in, & then they seize the radio station & Government offices & declare Independence from Oz & become the 33rd County.