Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot anticipate what the Minister of State will say about this matter, but all of us would like to see a situation whereby people finishing their apprenticeships are facilitated. In addition, we also want to see unemployed young people getting an opportunity to work and long-term unemployed people getting a chance to re-enter the workforce, particularly in a sector where they may previously have been employed. There is a danger, however, that we might be seeking to solve all the problems of the construction sector in this Bill. Those currently employed in the construction sector would not thank us if their jobs were put at risk to facilitate these amendments. If we can put construction on a sound footing, with people getting paid for the work they are doing, surely that in itself is a step in the right direction to facilitate the issues of concern. If we stitch too much into this Bill we may run the risk of undermining its core objective.