John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues in calling for a debate on a number of issues. I refer, first, to competitiveness, which is the interests of all of us, having regard to the change in the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar, high insurance costs and changing events within Europe. A delegation from the Hungarian Parliament visited the Houses of the Oireachtas last week. They are now achieving what we achieved some years ago – I see certain similarities in that regard. We must watch our position within Europe. I ask that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come to the House to outline her assessment of the future competitiveness of this country.