asked the Minister for the Environment the immediate steps he proposes to take to deal with the crisis in the building industry as recently outlined by the trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Industry.
29.
The building industry depends on two basic elements to promote activity, namely, public expenditure and private sector investment. Public investment in the industry in 1982 was about 70 per cent of total investment — a much higher proportion than normal. Between 1979 and 1981, private sector investment fell by over 30 per cent. On the basis of these figures and, given the general state of the economy and the limitations on public expenditure generally, it is inevitable that the path to an upswing in the industry must come mainly through increased private sector investment.
Deputies will be aware that I had a most fruitful meeting with representatives of the industry on 17 January. We had broad-ranging discussions covering present trends and the difficulties facing the different sectors which go to make up the industry. Matters dealt with included public capital expenditure, unemployment, house construction, incentives for private investment, taxation and the general outlook for the immediate, medium-term and longer-term futures. I am now giving careful consideration, in conjunction with my colleagues in Government, to the points put forward at the meeting.
I am very much aware of the central importance of the industry in the economy, particularly in relation to employment. While I am not in a position to indicate the precise level of Government support for the industry this year, Deputies may be assured that my aim will be to create a positive and supportive environment for the industry which will help to generate the stability and confidence necessary to attract private investment. In particular, I will be seeking to remove, or at least lessen the effects of existing obstacles and constraints affecting the industry by streamlining control procedures, promoting efficiency and cost effectiveness and maximising the spin-off effects of construction activity.
I also have in mind the setting up of a broadly-based council which would be representative of the different interests involved in the industry and would provide a regular forum for ventilating issues affecting the industry. The council would operate within the context of the overall planning framework envisaged in the Joint Programme for Government.
I might make one final point. The political uncertainty of recent years has not helped the industry. I am satisfied that the years of stability and continuity which lie ahead will create a climate which will restore confidence in the industry and promote private investment.
Does the Minister agree that the thousands of persons formerly employed in the building industry who now unhappily find themselves unemployed, will not take any great joy from his statement? Does he agree that because of the crisis in employment in the building industry and output in that industry, there is a need for immediate action and not vague promises of efficiency in the future and other waffle such as is contained in the Minister's reply? Unless there is immediate action and an indication of what steps the Government propose to take, the prospects for employment in the building industry do not seem to be very bright.
The Deputy is being a little optimistic if he expects me to take all the blame for the crisis in the building industry. Given the fact that we have been in office for a mere two months, I should be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed some time to tackle the problem which it is my intention to do.
I agree that the Minister needs time, but people who are unemployed find it very hard to wait.
I have always emphasised my determination to create jobs in this sector.
We would like to see something positive.