Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I compliment the Minister of State on his reply, in particular the skilful way in which he avoided answering the question. He would have made an excellent barrister. The Minister of State knows that the McCarthy report indicated the jobs initiative scheme should be closed as soon as possible, something with which we do not agree, and that €10 million would be saved by off-setting the cost of accommodating the existing 1,400 participants on alternative schemes, compared to a gross saving of some €30 million.

Does the Minister of State have a view on that? If so, what is his position? In a time where there is significant unemployment and solutions, which are well thought out and would contribute to tackling the scourge of unemployment, are ten a penny from the Opposition, why has the jobs initiatives scheme remained closed? It was closed on 10 November 2004 by the Minister, Deputy Martin. Why is such a blinkered approach being taken to a scheme which offers people opportunities? It is a static scheme and there is plenty of room for development.

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