Michael Finucane
Question:49 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the building industry has the capacity to carry out all work proposed in the national plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/99]
Written Answers. - Construction Industry.
The Government is very much alive to the need for a continued expansion of construction capacity to ensure the delivery in a timely and cost-effective manner of the infrastructure envisaged in the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The Government, in partnership with the domestic building industry, has already taken steps to secure an expansion in the capacity of the industry. The industry has already more than doubled its intake of apprentices – from 2,300 in 1993-94 to 5,600 in 1999-2000. Steps have also been taken to expand the manpower base of the industry by attracting workers from the UK and other countries. No problems are currently foreseen in ensuring that there will be adequate supplies of building materials and plant.
Moreover, there is every prospect that the commitment to the major programme of infrastructure in the NDP, particularly the larger projects in the-roads, water services and solid waste areas, will attract greater participation by firms from other countries in the design and construction of projects and, in this manner, will help to expand building capacity. In this context, public private partnership can also act as a mechanism for enhancing capacity to deliver key projects, by harnessing a wider range of private sector technical, financial and management skills as well as additional financial resources.
Finally, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, has asked the Forum for the Construction Industry, which represents all interests in the industry, to expedite a study of the capacity of the industry. I understand that the forum will submit an interim report and recommendations before the end of this year and a final report and recommendations by mid-2000.