Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Higgins in his call for a debate on inflation, which is important for competitiveness and jobs not least in the context of enlargement. We all welcome the reduction of inflation to considerably below 2%. At the tourism briefings, which have been referred to, accommodation prices are deemed to be pretty competitive. There was a 6% increase in tourism last year, despite all the difficulties experienced. The real problem lies in the area of food and drink. I am also glad that insurance costs are showing signs of decreasing.

In the context of tomorrow's threatened strike, I hope the constructive principles of social partnership will be applied by all sides. That means that everyone must be prepared to give and take. I accept Senator O'Toole's point that the Minister has given reassurances where concerns existed previously and that this provides a basis for the strike to be called off.