Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I want to ask the Tánaiste about the plan around those jobs. Is he aware of any plan by the Government to introduce any training programmes with FÁS or Solas for water meter installation? This should surely be a priority to allow 2,000 people to come off the live register. When will these positions be filled? Is there cross-departmental co-operation on this issue and have the Ministers with responsibilities in this area met to discuss a plan?

Have Ministers Hogan, Bruton, Quinn and Burton met prior to, or since, this announcement to discuss mechanisms whereby people on the live register can avail of such opportunities and prepare to be in a position to take up such job offers, or has the Government directed Bord Gáis to prioritise people on the live register? In answering those questions, will the Tánaiste reaffirm the Taoiseach's commitment to this House a month ago that 2,000 jobs would emanate from this initiative?

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