Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

It is still going on and we are still neglecting our children because we do not have enough social workers. Last year in the House, I outlined the degree to which the HSE's service in Galway was being threatened. It has the lowest number of social workers per case.

On the doorsteps, the worry on everyone's lips is jobs. A medium-sized employer in the media business told me the current climate and the banking situation are providing an ideal opportunity for business to exit the country. This is a serious matter. In Germany, the employer was offered grants to attract his business. He has already moved half of it. He was also offered a state guarantee as a reliable employer to ensure that, when he goes to the bank, he can get the necessary credit. Why can the Government not consider ways other than making the bank the king? Why can we not consider offering State guarantees to reliable employers, thereby rewarding the creators of jobs and wealth?

I extend to everyone a welcome to Galway this weekend for the Volvo Open Ocean Race.