Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We hear much talk about rural Ireland and about the need to bring employment to, and create opportunities in, rural Ireland but invariably Government and State interventions are becoming more negative and damaging by the day. The sharpest illustration of this in the past week or so has been the announcement by Bord na Móna to close the Littleton peat briquette factory. Politicians often wonder why people become disillusioned with the State and the political system. The manner in which this closure is being brought about would give those politicians some answers. I refer to the shabby manner in which the workers have been treated, the lack of dignity shown to them, the false promises and the fact there was no plan, agreement or deep consultation.

Bord na Móna was primarily founded to give employment to people in the midlands, to this part of Tipperary and to other counties, and to create economic development. Now the State is turning its back. I mentioned people's cynicism and disillusionment because two years ago at a meeting of the workers, the then Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, announced to them that there would be a combined investment in a new combined heat and power plant at Littleton.

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