Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

Members may have heard on "Frontline" on Monday night Mr. Peter Callan, a window manufacturer who expressed concern for the welfare of his employees and Mr. Finn from Gort who expressed his concerned about his furniture factory, employees and neighbours. Deputy Wall spoke of the steel manufacturer in Athy which has closed with the loss of ten jobs.

Given the current situation, could a grant aid system be devised to assist people to replace machinery and equipment? This could be administered through the County Enterprise Boards. Is it not time to look afresh at this issue and to consider the introduction of a national insurance scheme for people living in flood plains who cannot obtain insurance? We need to start thinking outside the box. Perhaps the Minister will address those two issues.

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