Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

There are many positive developments on the employment front for us to welcome. Unemployment now stands at 4.3%. The year 2004 saw the lowest number of days lost in strike action, a tribute to social partnership. This morning the House will debate the rights of migrant workers and we welcome the appointment of inspectors. We must debate the proposals for a fundamental revamp of immigration policy.

However, another matter which should be debated relates to people in the community of an older age who have difficulty finding employment. The community employment schemes are useful in that regard. The rules for the schemes should be re-examined. There might be a case, which should be debated, for returning to the status quo ante 2000. I am not referring to the numbers on the schemes but the rules of operation. The schemes are important not just for the people concerned but also for a myriad of community organisations which would collapse without the assistance they get from people on community employment schemes.