Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

Mr. Brosnan said he sees no purpose in proceeding with the final report until some recommendations of the interim report are produced. Without any disrespect to the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, I would expect the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make the concluding speech in this debate. This is the largest single crisis in jobs to hit the mid-west which will lead to the downgrading of the region. All of its Deputies should be working together. However, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Defence, Deputy Willie O'Dea, are not present in the Chamber for the debate on a report which is critical to our region and one on which we want action to be taken.

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