Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

With respect, I will repeat the question. What are the Tánaiste's views on labour activation schemes? Is she for or against the concept? I have asked this repeatedly over the past eight or nine months. I acknowledge all the training initiatives and that the Tánaiste is making improvements in that regard, but what are her views on Government organised labour activation schemes?

I note her own reports in the newspaper today about what might be announced at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis, that is, letting people keep their benefits on going back to work. That is one idea of a scheme, but is she against the concept of Government organised labour activation schemes which would get people out there working on much needed projects such as school buildings, parks, walkways, train stations, bus stations and council housing stock? All such work could be done through Government activation schemes, either using the local authority or whatever. Is the Tánaiste against that concept, yes or no? I have been asking for a long time. I think it is a good concept. I have not received any reaction from the Government on that.

The Tánaiste visited SR Technics on Thursday last. Can she enlighten us any further? Is there any chance another company would be willing to buy it out? First, is SR Technics willing to sell to anybody? In addition, is there any way that the Government——

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