Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I agree with Deputy Conlon's remarks in regard to FÁS. Perhaps it is in this area the Minister could have serious input. The Minister could try to eliminate, even on a temporary basis, the criteria that denies people an opportunity and the dignity of work. People are being denied work because they have been three or five years on a scheme. The working age limit has been extended to 70 years and beyond in some cases yet people who have been displaced and who want to work are being denied an opportunity to do so. These people have done outstanding work.

The Minister will be aware of the FÁS schemes in County Galway which have brought about much improvement, environmentally For the past three years, the village where I live has been, as a result of work done under a FÁS scheme, declared the tidiest village in County Galway. This will continue as a result of the work being done by FÁS.

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