Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator McFadden raised the worthwhile topic of a grant for slatted sheds. As we all know, that has been the backbone responsible for keeping many people in the construction industry employed in the midlands area in particular in the past 18 months. It was a wonderful idea to bring forward. Those of us who are familiar with everyone involved in the construction industry, especially in my part of north Westmeath, will know that has been decimated. The unemployment exchange in Castlepollard has the third highest number of people signing on in the country. It is no pleasure for me to say that. As the House is aware, in north Westmeath we are totally dependent on the motor industry and the construction industry, whether it be gravel, sandpits or ready-mix concrete. That grant has kept many people in employment.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, who comes from a neighbouring parish just down the road, across the bridge of Finnea in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, has been strong in his support for the grant but the huge amount of applicants availing of it has surprised everyone in the Department. The amount of money that has been allocated is approximately €400 million. I am speaking from memory so I am open to correction on that figure. We will do everything we possibly can, Senator McFadden and I as two Westmeath Senators, along with Senator Glynn, to see what we can do to ensure that the Minister——