Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I would have preferred if Question No. 90 had been taken with Question No. 47. I am disappointed with the Minster's reply. The fact that he indicated he has had only three telephonic link-ups with his counterpart in the Assembly, Ms Arlene Foster, MLA, does not demonstrate the necessary focus on the very serious situation that has unfolded in the Border counties, specifically, Cavan and Fermanagh. The announcement last Friday week signalled some 432 jobs would be lost in Cavan and Fermanagh, in excess of 50% of the entire signalled loss of 846 jobs throughout the island of Ireland in Quinn Insurance Limited.

I am not at all impressed by the Minister's reply which is somewhat dilatory. The reality is if such an announcement were made in respect of any other part of the country there would be a far more focused and definite effort on the part of Government to try to save the jobs concerned. While I welcome and encourage cross-Border co-operation in the address of the terrible vista that has now presented for these workers, their families and the wider and interdependent community, real and serious questions must be answered.

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