Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I commend the Labour Party on tabling the motion, which contains several interesting and innovative proposals for the support of those who find themselves in the awful situation of being unemployed. Many of the proposals to which I refer focus on retraining, upskilling and allowing people to avail of the opportunity of moving into different types of employment.

Emphasis should also be placed on protecting existing jobs. We are in a recession and we should consider the path we wish to take in the future. We must lay the foundations now in order that we might attract investment and develop new opportunities when we begin to emerge from this difficult period.

I agree with the proposal regarding the need to refocus the national development plan, particularly in the context of placing an emphasis on labour-intensive projects and activities that will keep small, local economies in existence. Earlier this evening I attended a briefing provided by the Construction Industry Federation at which representatives outlined the dire nature of the situation faced by those within that industry. In any downturn, the construction industry is always the first to suffer and provides the initial indication that things are about to take a nose-dive. When matters improve, however, this industry is also the first to benefit.

Everyone is aware that the level of unemployment among those in the construction sector is high. However, there are ways of dealing with this. For example, why is it not possible to accelerate the school building programme, which would give rise to labour-intensive activity, and create employment locally? Planning applications could be fast-tracked and standardised designs could be adopted in order to get things moving. In the long term, accelerating the programme would be cheaper than having people claiming jobseeker's benefit or allowance. In addition, the construction of community health centres could be carried out on a PPP basis and this would also contribute to local economies.

The position with regard to the VAT rate should be examined. The high level of VAT is giving rise to difficulties in areas situated adjacent to the Border. Retailers and traders in these areas are feeling the effects of the VAT differential.

There are many, including Members, representatives of the construction industry and others, who state that small businesses cannot obtain funding. For the want of a small amount of money which the banks could provide, these businesses are making people redundant or going to the wall. The banks have been provided with a great deal of support by taxpayers and they should, in turn, facilitate small businesses that provide employment. What is happening at present does not make sense. This is a matter on which the Government should focus.

I am sure the House will, at a later date, have an opportunity to discuss the report published yesterday by the National Competitiveness Council on education. Investment in education has always been the cornerstone of our economy. However, the report to which I refer indicates that there has been a serious deterioration in the number of students taking science and technology subjects, engineering and computing. The HEA has indicated that the numbers relating to mathematics, science and computing dropped by 13% last year. This will prove to be a serious disadvantage for Ireland. We must consider putting in place a strategy in respect of the provision of information and communications technology in schools, we must examine why there is such a disincentive for students with regard to taking up mathematics and we must ensure that students are attracted to disciplines relating to mathematics, science, engineering and technology. As the Government outlined in Building Ireland's Smart Economy, the future of this country lies in promoting development in the areas to which I refer. If we do not have suitably educated and trained personnel available and if we do not address the skills shortage that exists, we will be at a disadvantage.

This motion relates to an extremely important matter. I am sure it will continue to dominate discussions in this House for the foreseeable future.

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