Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

It is always important to remind people what we have achieved, especially the Opposition which might sometimes be in denial in that regard. We are concerned about the situation in which we find ourselves. There is an international credit crisis which is causing pressures in housing and elsewhere. That reflects on the construction industry.

There have been increases in fuel and commodity prices. There are considerable international challenges but the fundamentals are sound and the Government is promoting Ireland as a place to do business. Ireland is still very competitive and the IDA continually markets it. There are some good news stories in the pipeline. The IDA is confident it can still market Ireland as a positive place in which to do business.

Obviously, redundancies and jobs losses are very regrettable for the individuals concerned. That is why FÁS is very much involved in early intervention, in assessing skills requirements and job placements and in training people for available job placements.

A recent survey shows that 7% of companies have job vacancies. There are difficulties in certain sectors of the economy. That was acknowledged in last year's budget when it was pointed out quite clearly that the construction industry was going through change and a readjustment. That change has been very sharp and is the reason FÁS is concentrating on retraining construction workers.

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