Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I tabled Question No. 87, which was similar, and I am disappointed it was not taken. This would have allowed more time to discuss the issue. It is an extraordinary and very serious situation because everyone maintains the Quinn company is a good and profitable company but it appears to be falling on its feet every hour because of its inability to sell commercial insurance in Northern Ireland and the UK. I hope some progress can be made on the matter before the weekend is out.

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment and I realise he is new to the job. Were he to examine the situation in the Border counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal, he would realise no investment has been made in the whole area, especially since the Troubles. I ask the Minister, on the occasion of his first Question Time, to ensure that a genuine effort is made, taking into account the Quinn Insurance situation as it is today, to ensure the area is prioritised. I am not satisfied that personnel in IDA and Enterprise Ireland are committed to the area. If it was not for Seán Quinn there would be nothing there.

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