Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The news of significant job losses from Waterford Crystal in Dungarvan and Waterford city is devastating, particularly for the 490 people who have lost their jobs. Will the Leader organise a debate following today's publication of the latest quarterly report from the Central Bank which shows that indigenous employment in this country suffers from a lack of competitiveness? Some 90% of additional export growth is generated by foreign-owned companies and not by the indigenous sector.

Waterford Crystal would be regarded by most people as one of our premier indigenous businesses. We are losing our edge and pricing ourselves out of the market and jobs are being lost. The issue should be debated at some stage over the coming weeks, particularly in light of the findings of the Central Bank report.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost their jobs today. I understand that approximately 5% of the population of Dungarvan has been directly affected by the loss of the Waterford Crystal business there. This is particularly difficult for the people in the area and the Government needs to respond.

I ask the Leader of the House to make time available for a debate on the issue of special needs. We know from travelling throughout the country that there are children and schools requiring additional help in terms of putting special needs assistance in place. It is therefore disgraceful and unbelievable that the Government should be taking 70 people out of the system by the end of this month. An explanation is required. When there is such a dramatic need for special needs assistants, why does the Government intend to let go 70 people who are working in this area? They cannot be reallocated because of the failure to put a reallocation scheme in place. We need an explanation on this matter from the Government this week.