The head of Ireland's Higher Education Authority has reportedly warned that 80,000 construction workers could be facing long-term unemployment due to their lack of education.

Tom Boland has warned that tens of thousands of young male workers could face major job problems if the construction sector goes into serious decline.

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He was commenting on the latest census which found that almost half of those working in construction do not have anything more than a lower secondary-school education.

He also said that many immigrant workers in the building trade may also face additional problems due to poor English language skills.

(BMcC)