Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

Go hiontach ar fad.

I compliment Deputy Jack Wall who did tremendous work and Deputy Arthur Spring, who is the rapporteur for our economic committee. We had two visits to London followed by a return visit here to prepare a report on the lack of funding for small business. In case we think the position is better in England it is experiencing the same problem with the banks. They will run out of money in 2014, which is startling. The credit union and business representatives we met spoke about having the same problem of access to credit. Despite the funds we have provided for the banks, they are still not lending. We must remove some of the massive debt the country owes and did not create - it was created by European banks, mainly German and French financial institutions - before trying to deal with the rest of the debt problem. Failing that, the ship of Europe could sink, but I will not dwell on that issue today.

I am delighted to be a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which should be supported. In that respect, I acknowledge the support shown by the Taoiseach and Ministers at the assembly's meetings this week. I note also that a number of its committees with which I am not involved also produced reports. The assembly's meetings are not junkets but a forum in which serious and valuable work is done. I we heard the views of guest speakers, including, for example, the chief executive officer of Glenn Dimplex, to whom Deputy Joe McHugh referred, and a lady from a company in Dungarvan which provides a large number of jobs in Port Láirge. An MP from across the water asked the lady in question some serious questions about the pharmaceutical industry in general and her company, including questions about commodities and the industry's failure to step up to the mark. As a Deputy from the south east where the company in question provides such employment, I found the discussion interesting and worrying. Pharmaceutical companies must stand up to close scrutiny, irrespective of where they are located.

As well as completing a great deal of serious business, members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly also do a great deal of socialising. I was delighted, on my first visit to Áras an Uachtaráin, to meet President Higgins and listen to him make an historic, inspiring, interesting and cultured speech. He light-heartedly informed us that he had spent a long time in the Seanad and referred to the Chamber's beautiful ceiling. I visited the Seanad for the first time the following day to view its ornate ceiling. The President was funny and delegates were well looked after in Áras an Uachtaráin. We had a wonderful visit after which we visited Dublin Castle. We may end up in Buckingham Palace some day if we remain on the committee for long enough.

The weekend was packed full of debate, discourse and discussion. Some heavy hits were also landed in the plenary sessions. The meeting was beneficial to our islands and long may the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly continue. I compliment those who established the body in more difficult times. It is noteworthy that its meeting in Brighton last October coincided with an anniversary about which many people wanted to forget. While many on the other side of the water resisted the proposal to hold the meeting in Brighton, it was an interesting experience. Everyone involved met in peace and harmony and there was very little security evident. Much more could be done, but we have moved far along the road.

The chairman of the economic group on which I sat, Deputy Jack Wall, did tremendous work and we learned many valuable lessons, not least that there was no point in being insular. It is important to travel and engage with people who have different views and ideas. Britain is experiencing the same problems as Ireland, albeit on a larger scale, given the size of its economy.

Deputy Joe McHugh and officials are planning a further plenary session in March 2013. I look forward to the Gathering in 2013 on which the Cabinet, notably the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is working. Irish people, whether at home or abroad, are resilient and proud. Bringing Irish people living abroad back to the country as part of the Gathering will provide a great boost. Some of them may develop a new grá for the country and decide to stay and invest their money and expertise. The Gathering is based on the meitheal concept. I look forward to its various elements, whether in the areas of culture and heritage or the economy. It is important that we work together.

Previous speakers criticised cuts in the funding allocated to the A5 road from Monaghan to the North. The Government has provided initial funding of €15 million for the project. Such a financial commitment to roads in other areas on this side of the Border would be widely welcomed. We are in difficult times, but the commitment has been made and the seeds sown.

Discourse, dialogue and interaction do nothing but good and we make new friends all the time. I thank everyone involved in the meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, including officials. It was significant that it was held in the Seanad Chamber. It is good that our guests enjoyed the event because they will return home and tell people how hospitable and jovial we are and that we can have a bit of craic.

The media may be lashing Deputy Ann Phelan on the issue of caviar, but she is doing her best to promote a local, indigenous company in her native Kilkenny. We must support all indigenous companies, even if it means being slagged off in the media. Comhghairdeas leis an committee.

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