Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I support my colleague's amendment. Senator Mansergh mentioned manifestos and not having promises, commitments and so on. It is like the situation with regard to adjustments and cuts. There were no cuts until after the election – it was all a matter of adjustments. At this stage, even the Government recognises the extent of the cuts which have been made in practically everything. Even the manifesto has been cut at this stage.

As one who personally experienced redundancy – having worked for 22 years with one company and received statutory redundancy of less than €6,000 when it closed – I welcome the Bill as an advance on the dark ages in terms of redundancy payments. I appeal to the Tánaiste to take retrospection into consideration, if possible, in this instance, having regard to her statement – I will not even say "commitment"– to do the best she could, as interpreted from the other side of the House. I ask that she do the best she can. Senator Leyden said that an ex gratia payment can be made by the State to the workers. If that is possible, I urge the Tánaiste to do so on a retrospective basis.