Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Bradford for very eloquently and passionately putting his case, including reference to the wider context of the fertiliser industry generally. The Tánaiste would very much like to be here but, unfortunately, she is unable to be present because of other commitments. The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, who responded to an Adjournment Debate on this issue last night in the Dáil, was unaware that this issue was being raised here today and is not in Dublin to appear before the House. He would very much like to be here and I know he has very strong views on this issue.

IFI is jointly owned by ICI, with 49% of the company, and the State through Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta holding 51%. As the House is aware, the board of IFI decided at a meeting on Tuesday that it could not continue trading and has recommended the appointment of a liquidator. It is obviously a matter of extreme disappointment that, despite the efforts of all those involved, it has not been possible to find a solution to the severe financial difficulties at Irish Fertilizer Industries. Clearly, this will be devastating news for the workforce, their families and for the local communities involved.