Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

In these difficult times it is heartening to see a small ray of sunshine coming through the dark clouds. In the last couple of weeks a small electrical contractor did a job for me. In the course of conversation he intimated that he had work for two qualified electricians. The same gentleman rang me this morning to inform me he now required four electricians. It is small but it is a step in the right direction.

I agree with Senator Healy Eames. We must look at the situation differently. Our people are our greatest resource. While I strongly support the concept of assisting people who have no income with social welfare benefits, there are talented individuals who have recently become unemployed and they could be used to upgrade houses for the elderly and provide homes for the homeless.

I have a sore point when it comes to planning. I am aware of a young man who was refused planning permission for a development on his own land. He was granted planning permission by Westmeath County Council but a photograph was taken from an aeroplane and used as a reason to overturn it. If that is how planning matters should be scrutinised, I am a Dutchman. I will not refer to the matter Senator Ó Murchú mentioned, where a house could be seen from the sea. Those who talk in this way are all at sea.