Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

Is it true the FÁS report stated that 65,000 construction jobs will go by the end of 2009? Is it that serious? Will the Minister of State lift the 2004 cap on participation in community employment schemes to allow increased numbers to participate, especially in rural areas?

Given the impact on the construction industry, will the Minister of State raise at Government level the idea of borrowing for capital purposes to stimulate the construction industry, especially to help generate activity in the schools building programme so that badly needed schools can be built for children? It would maintain a level of construction. Would that not be productive? It would be borrowing for capital rather than current purposes.

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