Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

——unacceptably high. I am struck by the terrible waste of time and energy these numbers represent. At the same time I am conscious of the real input some of these people can contribute to our community. Yesterday I met a solicitor who was unemployed and the day before I spoke to a qualified accountant who is unemployed. We are aware of the impact unemployment or underemployment has on individuals. In my area I witnessed the effect unemployment has on health issues, family issues, marital breakdown, addiction and mental health.

There is a pressing need in the community and voluntary sector for additional support. I propose the Minister of State examines how community and voluntary groups can be encouraged to provide short-term employment opportunities. I have referred to this as a national community volunteering scheme for the unemployed to carry out work in the community that would not otherwise be done. Community groups could pay the unemployed person exactly the same money he or she is claiming from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The scheme would operate similarly to the community employment scheme run by FÁS with a number of key differences, primarily related to eligibility. I would be happy to forward the scheme to the Minister of State.