Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 4, subsection (1), between lines 42 and 43, to insert the following:" "social contract clause” means a clause that obliges an executing party to—

(a) employ some unemployed persons who are on the live register and who are under 25 years of age, and
(b) employ some persons who are long term unemployed;".

The intention of the amendment is to include a social contract clause in contracts with the purpose of ensuring, particularly in an era with high unemployment, youth unemployment and long-term unemployment, that an opportunity is provided in major contracts for such people to get work. In other jurisdictions provision is made for this. I tabled a parliamentary question on this topic some time ago and received a reply that this could displace older workers with more experience.

This is also linked to an issue of which the Minister of State is very well aware, which is the number of people who have not finished their apprenticeships in various trades because firms went out of business and many people were left high and dry. FÁS has been trying to make some arrangements to recognise the final phases of apprenticeships and get training and experience for the people involved. We all have constituents who emigrated a few months short of their final apprenticeship qualifications. There is no employment here, but they are not able to get their papers to take up employment in other countries.

Everybody recognises that the biggest problem we have in Ireland, leaving aside the country's financial affairs, is the employment issue, particularly the employment of young people and the growing number of young people who are unemployed. We must do something concrete - I apologise for using the pun again; I will try to think of a different phrase when I next speak. We must do something definite, particular or specific to help young unemployed people not only complete their apprenticeships but get work and practical experience. I know this will lead to a cost for tendering companies but if it is part of the tender document everybody will tender on an equal footing and no company or business will be at a disadvantage. I have not been specific about percentages, numbers or turnover and I am just asking the Minister of State to open the door to examining the issue. Most people would agree we are trying to establish a worthwhile principle.

I know there are two other amendments grouped for discussion purposes, but that is my comment on that one.