Act together for full employment, forum told

One of the country's leading rural development experts Dr Senan Cooke said that Ireland and County Wexford, whether it's a community in Adamstown or Glynn or anywhere else could have full employment and an end to any poverty if we get our act together.

Addressing development leaders at a Wexford Social Enterprise Forum organised by Wexford LDC at St Josephs, Community Centre, in Bishopswater, Dr Cooke said: 'We can do everything all over the world, but there's problems in this country that they can't do anything about. Here we come up with complex things like 'fiscal space'. Two clever fellas in a pub would give you better answers. It's a disgrace what's going on in this country.'

He urged people to refuse to listen to messages that we don't have enough money or about all the money that is coming to us or that we have to pay off the debt.

'We've only got 4.5 million people, Greater Manchester has six million. There are 70 million Irish diaspora worldwide and we have 50,000 Irish executives in the UK. Look to Europe, America, Canada and other parts of the world.'

He said: 'We have a national debt of 200 Billion of which 60 Billion is bank debt, we have 8.6 per cent unemployment, and 150,000 people are long term unemployed, 300,000 people have emigrated since 2009, 92,000 people are behind on their mortgages, 35,000 people are unable to repay and 120,000 social houses are needed today.

'There are hospital waiting lists, homelessness, an increase in crime, inadequate political and governance systems. We have inadequate water systems, broadband, roads, hospitals, schools, universities, flooding and excess carbon usage. Strong vested interest groups are holding sway.

'The answer is self-reliant communities and a new national solidarity pact to prioritise and implement solutions. Self-help solutions are our best chance of achieving recovery. We can nurture an entrepreneurial culture, promote self-reliance and sustainability, identify and activate dormant resources, start-up enterprises in communities, engage wealth creators in creating jobs, provide new local services, improve infrastructure and facilities, collaborate in enhancing the living environment, replace lost enterprises and services and establish solidarity and inclusion.'

The attendance included Brian Kehoe, ceo WLD and Tom Bermingham of WLD.

Wexford People