Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

On behalf of Fine Gael I support the motion proposed by Senators Coonan and Browne. The disarray that is discernible on the Government side of the House is unbelievable. Senator Callanan warned against delay which might jeopardise the future of the industry and, in effect, said to get on with it and do it fast, that Carlow was over. Senator Moylan said it was being done too hastily and we must ask for a postponement. Then I heard all the usual promises that we have heard before. I come from a constituency in east Galway where the first factory was closed. The same promises were given then as now. The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, said that Enterprise Ireland would be involved in job replacement activity. We were promised that in Tuam as well but the jobs never came. An engineering concern was located in the factory for a couple of months as a token response by the sugar company to the closure in Tuam. Nothing happened. Then it was said that we could have a rail link to Thurles or Carlow. Not only did the sugar factory close, but the railway line closed as well. I believe it clearly indicates——