Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

As I previously noted, I am taking this matter in the unavoidable absence of the Minister for Social Protection. I was given the script by her Department and I am required to read it. It may well be as dry as dust but that is what I have been asked to read. I have no particular knowledge of this issue but I acknowledge the strong feelings that the Deputies have expressed. I am confident their concerns have arisen from their close contact with the workers and their families.

I will do my duty as a Member of this House and a Minister of State to ensure their views are brought to the attention of the Minister and her Department. Whatever can be done must be done. The Deputies have made a strong case and I appreciate the worries and needs of those families. There is a need for the agencies of the State and the Minister of the particular Department to engage immediately in a very industrious fashion with all of the agencies that can help. I can only assure the Deputies of that. I stand here as they do listening and understanding the issues, and will attempt as much as possible to get them resolved inasmuch as the State has powers to do so.

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