Mr. Declan Hughes:

I thank the Deputy. We are open to working with all groups, especially, as I said, on those routes to employment, be that providing internships, access to sites and facilities or to collaboration. The LEOs operate at local level as part of the local authorities, so the staff are embedded from an economic development perspective. More generally, the full range of schemes are available to the leaders of those programmes, but more particularly in ensuring we have those routes to participation. At local level, the Department of Social Protection especially has good links with companies and the development agencies. Companies themselves are keen to participate.

Senator Ahearn raised the issue of construction projects at the early stage, etc., where there are social clauses either in public procurement or in other projects that can be utilised. The channels generally work well and there are other initiatives with business groups. If there are further ideas there, we are open to them.