I refer to the change in strategy required in respect of employment and unemployment. Four or five years ago, the unemployment rate was 14.5%. We are informed that it has fallen to 5.9%. This creates a totally different challenge for our economy in how we deal with a situation where we are close to full employment. That is a great credit to everybody but what is the next stage? The Construction Industry Federation says that 110,000 workers will be needed in the next three years. How will we build the houses? We do not have the electricians, plasters or labourers to do the work. In the past, we depended on people coming here from other countries, but I do not think that will happen now. We need a very clear, concise, accountable plan in respect of this matter.

I am delighted that teachers have been in receipt of improved pay since 1 January last. As a former teacher - I was a school steward - I am aware that teachers are a key part of the fabric of our country and our communities. We need to look after our teachers a lot better because they are going into private industry. My colleague, Senator Craughwell, has often spoken on what is happening to our Air Corps pilots. It is not an either-or scenario when it comes to the public and private sectors, I believe in the word which should be used is "and". It is inclusive, it is about connectivity. We all depend on each other. Salaries will increase significantly, and that is fine, I do not have a problem with it. However, while it is a bit late now, we need to retrain our workforce so that it is fit for purpose and meets future needs.

For example, there are 35,000 primary school teachers and 27,000 secondary school teachers, teaching about 900,000 pupils. It is really difficult, if not impossible, to get people to go into the teaching profession or to get people in the profession to stay there. I ask the Deputy Leader to convey this to Government and the relevant Ministers. The Government needs to produce a new clear strategy to support our future employment needs.

On the Commencement Matters debate this morning, there was some very good discussion on chefs and our hospitality industry. This is becoming an epidemic at this stage. I would appreciate feedback on that issue.

As all Senators will know, my home peninsula, Inishowen, was devastated by floods last August. The village of Burnfoot was particularly devastated. Journalists from RTÉ and the rest of the national media were based in that village for two days. They told the story of the families. In one council estate, Grianan Park, which is a lovely little community, half of the residents were out of their homes. Raw sewage washed through their homes. They were heartbroken. They have been told that they will not be back in their homes this year or for the foreseeable future.

Other private homes and businesses were absolutely devastated. A range of senior Ministers came in and promised them that flood defences would be built. This was a sore point because, even though it had flooded repeatedly, a cost-benefit analysis ruled out flood defences for the location. It was assessed to be better and cheaper to let the houses flood than to build flood defences. It was offensive.

Today, eight months later, a major announcement has been made in Athlone today and I am shocked that no commitment has been given on Burnfoot. The community in Burnfoot should be getting news today that the village's flood defences are to be built as soon as possible. We are hearing that further assessments are being done and there could be another announcement in four weeks.

The Ministers know who they are because they stood before those families and business owners who were heartbroken, many of whom are still not back in their homes. They were given promises that this would be sorted out. The people of Donegal - not just Inishowen - and the north west will not accept those people being abandoned. We were expecting in the next four weeks flood defences to be confirmed by the Minister of State. It should have been confirmed today.