Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

The Government is firmly focused on the challenges facing the economy and society in terms of finding new opportunities for those unfortunate people who have lost their jobs recently and those who may look into the abyss in the next few months. There is no sharper reminder of how the recession is biting than the appalling live register figures published today which show that 11,700 people had to sign on in the past month.

Let us, however, focus on positive developments. Last month's budget shows the resolve of the Government to facilitate opportunities to re-enter the workforce. Additional funding of €11 million was allocated for community employment and job initiative schemes, all of which are of considerable benefit in towns and villages throughout the country; funding for FÁS services for people with disabilities was increased and €208 million was allocated for the national training fund for 2009. These measures will help those seeking to start or continue apprenticeships or take part in other forms of training such as reskilling. This is particularly important, not only for those who seek to return to the workforce but also to address the consequences of economic contraction and restructuring.

This time last year the ESRI, in its economic forecast for the final quarter, stated that "if labour cannot readily flow between sectors, the forecast for unemployment next year might be overly optimistic." This statement has been borne out by trends this year.

One area of employment opportunity which could create a significant employment is that of green collar jobs. There are many opportunities to find enterprise and employment in this new era in which environmental protection is being incorporated into public policy and we face up to the task of addressing climate change and peak oil. Energy efficiency requirements under new building regulations present opportunities for roofers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. The renewable energy sector is also growing, while agriculture offers opportunities through the diversion of land from food production to energy production or forestry. Countless other opportunities are available, including in the areas of water services investment and waste management.

As the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government recently reminded us, the green technology sector is worth €284 billion worldwide and is now larger than the chemicals or car manufacturing industries in Europe. Deputies should hone in on this fact during the debate as we must grasp the potential of the sector through identification, planning, education and job training. To this end, I am trying to have what is known as a Solitaire school established in Carlow in my constituency. Ireland is the only country in Europe which does not have one of these schools, which provide training for renewable energy installers, whether in installing solar or solar voltaic panels or geothermal heat pumps, and confers European qualifications. A Solitaire school would attract students to courses in the Carlow Institute of Technology and VEC schools in the county. It is important to take an initiative in this regard to ensure we do not lag behind other countries in Europe.

The budgetary increase of 9% in 2009 for county enterprise development is a positive measure. The county enterprise boards play an important role in supporting micro-enterprises at crucial phases and in stimulating economic activity at local level. This increase is complemented by the considerable funding announced this week for LEADER partnerships throughout the country, including in my constituency where the Carlow and Kilkenny LEADER programmes received €8.9 million and €11.5 million, respectively. This funding will go a long way towards developing employment and stimulating economic growth in rural areas, particularly among our 250,000 small businesses.

The months and years ahead will be tough and retraining and restructuring will be vital to our survival. If we put in place the resources and schemes to do this now, we will have a more secure economy and labour force in the medium and long term.

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