Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

I have no problem putting forward ideas and I will do so. I have set them out for the Minister of State. Many people are awaiting the commencement of work under the disabled persons and essential repairs grants schemes, schools are awaiting assistance under the summer work schemes and many of our train stations and bus stations are in need of serious repair. I have raised this issue at committee level where we are supposed to do good work on a cross-party basis. Why can we not match up, through the local authorities and FÁS, unemployed people with work in these areas. I accept what is required is a type of voluntary scheme but it must be an attractive one. Surely, it would not be that hard to do this.

I raised this issue with the Department more than a month ago. I will forward detailed plans in this regard if the Minister of State so wishes. I hope the Minister of State can tell me that he and his colleagues have an open mind on this issue. The community employment scheme deals with long-term unemployed people and does not suit everybody. I am asking for a new scheme similar to those in operation in other countries and in Northern Ireland. All I am asking is that we try something.

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