The Government’s Framework for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal announced by the Taoiseach this week prioritises investment in areas that will help create local employment, according to Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn.
In particular Deputy Flynn welcomed the additional €75 million that has been allocated to the schools’ capital programme and the emphasis on delivering further courses in sustainable energy and green technology techniques.
“The Government is prioritising investment in areas that will create jobs,” Dep Flynn said. “Despite the current budgetary constraints we are maintaining, relatively speaking, the largest capital investment programme in Europe. Part of this is the allocation of an additional €75 million in the schools’ capital programme and this has the potential to help create employment for local builders. As well as creating jobs it will also help make necessary improvements in schools right around the country. The Government is re-tendering for works where it feels it is possible to get better value for money, and there are potential savings to be made in this way now given the slowdown in the construction industry.
“It is vital that we continue to invest in education, because investing in our schools is investing in our future generations,” continued Dep Flynn.
“There is also a new programme to assist apprentices to complete their training with the opportunity to complete the on-the-job phase of their apprenticeship in order to gain the required experience to progress to the next off-the-job phase or to complete their apprenticeship,” added the Fianna Fáil deputy.
“The Government is also committed to delivering more courses in sustainable energy and green technology techniques. This is an emerging area that will offer promising employment prospects in the future. There is no doubt that the coming months are going to be difficult, but the plan outlined by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD will help stabilise the public finances,” concluded Dep Flynn.
