M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The fear and, in some cases, anger that is out there must be seen to be appreciated. It is in that context that I appeal to the Government to do what it can to ensure that as many jobs as possible are retained. Some Irish companies are still operating profitably, while others are under threat because of the global economic crisis and the lack of domestic demand. However, I appeal to the Minister to consider cases in which we do have jobs and contracts.

I became aware last week of a particular case in which Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract for upgrading of equipment in Rosslare to an Irish company which then subcontracted its work to foreign companies. I know of two companies that tendered for that business but did not succeed as they were slightly more expensive. However, the work is now going to foreign companies, one of which is in Finland, although I do not know where the other one is located. While it is possible to hide behind the independence of the Government, the Departments and semi-state bodies, there should be a certain loyalty on the part of Irish bodies in view of the situation we are in and the numbers on the unemployment register and they should look more favourably on Irish companies where there is the possibility of retaining jobs. Once people go on the live register, it will be hard to find jobs for them. I ask the Minister of State and all Ministers to notify their Departments that, where possible, and within reason, we should keep contracts in Ireland.

I also ask the Minister to request that his officials use a light touch with regard to regulation of commercial organisations. We are all aware of the difficulties being experienced in the catering trade. The costs for companies in this area are relatively high compared to those of their European partners and the area of regulation is of concern to them. They feel that at times they have been unduly pressurised and that they are spending time and money on book-keeping and record-keeping that would be more profitably spent increasing their business and reducing costs.

I also request that more resources and manpower be provided to the Department of Social and Family Affairs, whose staff are working under extraordinary pressure to cope with the number of applications for jobseeker's benefit and allowance. We are talking about people who have never in their working lives had to go near a social welfare office. The role of MABS is also important. It is doing a wonderful job, but it needs to be properly resourced and funded to deal with the urgent cases it sees on a daily basis.

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