Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Acting Leader if she would arrange an ongoing debate on the creation of jobs, which is the priority of this Government, as it was of the previous Government. To this end, I request that we would have regular short debates in which we would meet Ministers from different Departments to put forward suggestions or ideas from the very experienced Members of this House.

I will start the ball rolling by noting the reconstruction and refurbishment of pre-1970 houses is vital - for example, the replacement of windows with double and treble glazing, and the rewiring of houses which may have been built long before 1970 and may not be in great condition, and some of which may be fire hazards. This would be a totally self-financing exercise given the reduction in unemployment and the PRSI and VAT returns. We need a grant system similar to the insulation grants which were brought in by the former Minister, Mr. Eamon Ryan, and the last Government.

I make the point to the Acting Leader, with her colleague, that she would consider having short debates, perhaps every month, with different Departments to find how we could have a constructive input, with the Government, to put forward suggestions. The Departments would then come back with a financial package, as it is very difficult for us to have that information at our disposal. This would be very helpful.