Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Burke for raising this matter. Like many of his colleagues from the west with whom I have daily contact, I am aware of and regret the hardship and inconvenience caused to farmers in the area covered by the Department offices involved in this industrial dispute. However, much progress has been made, perhaps even since the Senator notified the House of this matter. I will be careful about what I say here because I do not want to jeopardise the steady progress that is being made. The current mood is very positive and I am optimistic that the matter will be resolved within the next number of days.