James Bannon (Fine Gael)

With no disrespect to the Minister of State, I would have preferred if the Tánaiste had been here for the Adjournment. I know the Minister of State has connections with Longford. I believe his grandfather stood for election in the constituency of Longford-Westmeath at one time. I am sure he will put his shoulder to the wheel to get additional industry for my county of Longford.

I emphasise in the strongest terms possible the urgent need for the Tánaiste to make a comprehensive statement on Cardinal Health's decision not to proceed to build a pharmaceutical facility in Longford, which was announced in 2000, and to outline what intervention, if any was made by her to avert this action and save the 1,300 jobs promised to Longford. The withdrawal by Cardinal Health is a massive letdown and disappointment for all Longford people. It calls into question the bona fides of the Tánaiste and the Government in making the original announcement regarding Cardinal Health in the run-up to the last general election.

The Tánaiste promised 1,300 jobs for Longford, which were to come on stream this year. Her party colleague, Deputy Mae Sexton, stated in the strongest possible terms during her election campaign that the project would be delivered. As we now see the only thing that was delivered was a seat for the Progressive Democrats in Longford. We are very disappointed in Longford. Deputy Sexton's response is flawed. Yesterday she failed to turn up at a county council meeting.