asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the serious threat of major unemployment in the building industry in the coming months, the Government have any immediate plans for allocating more capital for construction; and if he will make a statement on the letter he received regarding the fears of unemployment expressed by the Construction Industry Federation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Industry Employment.
11.
Having regard to the very substantial increase in the public capital programme, including building and construction, in the current financial year, I am unable to accept the implication in the question of a serious deterioration in the employment situation in the building industry in the coming months. I am, however, having the various points raised by the Construction Industry Federation examined as a matter of urgency with a view to considering what further action, if any, is required.
I might add also that the 1972-73 current budget will release into the economy an additional £35 million in spending power which, it is estimated, will increase the national growth rate by 1¾ percentage points over the year ahead. This boost to the economy will add to the beneficial effects of the increased public capital programme.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that they expressed anxiety about this, and does he not think that there should have been consultations with the Construction Industry Federation to allay these fears before now?
Why?
They have these fears because they think there is going to be a falling off in the numbers employed.
That is true.
They are the people most closely associated with the building industry.
So? What point is the Deputy making?
It seems to me that the Minister or the Government should discuss the matter with them and not wait for this to arise. Would the Minister not agree?
I do not think the Deputy is serious.
Did the Minister see that they expressed anxiety about the numbers in employment?
It appeared in the newspapers the day after I received their letter which was a few days ago.
Will the Minister have regular consultations with them?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy can rest assured that any consultation that is necessary with the Federation will take place.
It did not on this occasion.