Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The construction industry is an issue. Over the past five years the Seanad has debated difficulties with the construction industry, first-time buyers being screwed and their parents being oppressed, suppressed and being taken advantage of by profiteering, greedy and grasping builders.

The builders now have the cheek to tell us that the people working for them should take a reduction in salary. It is appalling they can do so with a straight face. I would welcome a debate on the matter. Maybe we should have a national collection to support the building industry profiteers who have taken every cent out of our pockets for the past ten years. I would welcome a serious discussion on the construction industry.