Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. He indicated that he is hopeful there will be a successful conclusion to the negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission. The successful conclusion of those negotiations would see a resumption of employment for the workforce at Lagan Brick in Kingscourt. These people want to return to gainful employment in a business in which they have worked to build a reputation for high quality product. When I visited the plant and met the workforce shortly after Christmas, I was struck by the determination and absolute anxiety of the workers to get back to their work. As I said earlier, they took a wage cut some years ago and have worked hard to increase productivity.

It is incumbent on the Minister, his Department and the various State agencies that report to the Department to make every effort to ensure production is resumed at Lagan Brick. It has a long tradition of production, in excess of 100 years. We want that plant to resume employment. The people in the Visitors' Gallery today and their colleagues at home in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath want positive reassurance from the Minister that every effort will be made to ensure that production resumes at Lagan Brick in Kingscourt.

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