Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the words of welcome to Professor Pissarides. His was a most interesting, stimulating and thought provoking contribution, as were the other contributions. I come from a town that lost 1,000 industrial jobs in high volume, low tech engineering-type operations. It is very difficult to replace such jobs. Professor Pissarides spoke about the future for job creation being in green technology and the retrofitting of homes. In his view, should the Government provide subsidies or financial inducements to encourage people to consider investing in the retrofitting of homes which would create much-needed jobs?

Professor Pissarides spoke about social entrepreneurship and the job opportunities which could be created in the area of social care. Should the Government consider disengaging from some forms of care it currently provides and allow private and social enterprise to replace it? Jobs are being lost in every small town because the retail trade is on its knees. What advice would Professor Pissarides give the Government in an effort to boost retail sales and activity in advance of Christmas and throughout the year? What should be done differently to encourage people to spend money? Despite the recession, many people have money but they are not spending it because they are fearful of what could happen in the future.