David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When large-scale development was taking place in the docklands area, undertakings were given that 20% of related jobs would go to local people. The area in question straddles a part of the city where there are very high levels of unemployment. It was a very good clause but I am not sure how successful it was and whether it reached the 20% target. I am sure it had some positive impact on the area.

My amendment No. 2 has been ruled out of order but perhaps the Government will, at some point in the future, consider putting in place local labour partnerships, as we have proposed, which would involve trade unions, people involved in community development and local community representatives setting and monitoring targets in regard to the creation of jobs in the area. The amendment proposes that the target remain at 20% but it could be a matter for the partnerships to set a specific quota.