Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I ask that young graduates, professionals and people who are competent but cannot get a job in Ireland because of the appalling economic downturn be given the opportunity of a day's work on the day of the referendum on the EU fiscal compact treaty. It makes absolute sense and would send out a clear message that the Government is serious about jobs and giving people an opportunity.

During the presidential election a number of people contacted me to say they were disappointed that people who had already served in various aspects of society, whether as members of An Garda Síochána, former teachers and so on, were getting the day's work in polling stations as presiding officers and polling clerks while they had no job. It is a straightforward, easy win for the Government to make a conscious effort to direct the registrars throughout the country to set up a panel of competent, capable, professional graduates or competent capable professional individuals who, through no fault of their own, are on the live register. I would go further and say that their social welfare entitlements should not be deducted because of the day's work. That would send a clear message to the people who are suffering and to their families and loved ones, that the Government is serious about equal opportunities and about ensuring the less well-off get the opportunity to have a day's income. Those who are already in receipt of pensions or in employment, but take a day's holiday in order to do this work, should be replaced by people who need a chance. This is not rocket science and it can be done. If there is a willingness it should be done and I sincerely hope it will be done.