Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

In regard to the Redundancy Payments Bill, I agree with Senator Ryan's point, specifically because of the situation with the assurances given to the workers of the Comerama plant in County Kilkenny.

In regard to the matter raised by Senator Higgins, it would be both discriminatory and anti-rural if what Mr. Hynes proposed in respect of a two-tier pricing system in regard to postal services in urban and rural areas. I do not believe anyone in the House wants that to proceed. I am sure the Leader will take that on board.

Some time ago, the Leader promised that she would, if possible, arrange a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Finance regarding the proposed sell-off of surplus State assets. It is important that we pursue this matter in terms of the chronic shortage of land for local authority housing, particularly where local authorities can show that the transfer of such land to them would help reduce their waiting lists.