Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Many of us who left councils in 1991 did not receive a redundancy package but there was a special agreement in 1999. There are hard luck cases but I was trying to be sympathetic. It may not have been helpful but, like the Tánaiste, I was sympathetic to the plight of individuals in this regard. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, who has undertaken a great deal of work in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He has been helpful and co-operative. I also thank his senior officials who have been so attentive.

Question put and agreed to.