Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Donohoe and welcome the Minister of State. I would like to touch on two groups — lone parents and young farmers. Lone parents have always been an issue and a problem but I am more concerned now because it is even more difficult for them to find a job. One Family, the organisation that advocates on behalf of lone parents, conducted a survey, about which the Minister for Social and Family Affairs is well aware. The most outstanding fact in the report is that the majority of lone parents want to get off the one-family payment and into work. The impediments they face include access to quality child care. A total of 84% of lone parents are working, are in education or are actively seeking employment. How does the Minister propose to create employment for one-parent families? A cycle has developed where generations of single parents depend on welfare and are unable to access satisfying and stimulating employment and, therefore, contribute to society. They do not want to be on welfare. I would like the Minister of State to comment on how we can assess, help and motivate these individuals.

The issue relating to FÁS was referred to by my colleagues. I have come across individuals who had to take up a FÁS course to secure a social welfare payment. That condition is not tailored to long-term employment. It is a waste of money and bad value. For instance, the notion that somebody should take up a construction course now is farcical.

Significant employment has been lost on the land and rural Ireland is being eroded because young people cannot afford to stay at home. Farmers have lost the early retirement, installation aid, suckler grant and other schemes, which has led to emigration and young people having to leave the land. Boundless opportunities are available in agritourism and quality food production. These are two sound and accessible ways to keep young people on the land and in employment. Farmers' markets could also be used. There are ways and means to be innovative and to think outside the box.