Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

As we know, the public service is playing its part at present in this time of recession but nobody plays any greater part than those working in the agricultural sector. They are the people to whom we must give our support to ensure they will have sustainable jobs in the next year or two years.

I wholeheartedly welcomed the national insulation programme yesterday that was announced last Sunday. The sum of €160 million is significant in these difficult times. I welcome in particular the allocation of €50 million for local authorities for roof and wall insulation and the replacement of high efficiency gas and oil fired boilers, heating control upgrades and the building energy rating. All that is welcome. I support all the calls that have been made in that regard. I am sure the instruction and qualification leaflets will be available in the next day or two. I welcome the roof insulation grant of €250, the cavity wall insulation grant of €400——