We need to re-build our construction sector

In any discussion of the ills that have befallen the economy over the past five years, the collapse in the property and construction sector stands out.

At the peak of the boom in 2006, building and construction accounted for almost 25% of GDP, which is frighteningly high.

This number is likely to be close to 5% of GDP this year. Employment in the sector peaked at 273,900 in the second quarter of 2007. This had fallen to 96,300 by the first quarter of 2013.