John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I hope the guests from the Isle of Man will understand my Kilkenny accent. I join with other Senators who have asked for a debate on concerns about the indigenous industrial sector. This follows the announcement that Waterford Crystal is to axe more than 400 jobs in Dungarvan and Waterford city. As a representative of the adjoining area of Kilkenny I know many people employed directly or indirectly in services related to the crystal factory. I also ask the Leader for a discussion on special needs education. The matter is urgent. In my time in this House there have been several discussions on the topic. The Government has always said it is spending extra money but we have seen a serious deterioration in the level of service provided, exacerbated by the announcement yesterday evening. I hope the Minister for Education and Science will reverse the decision.

I concur with Senators Minihan and Ryan on the attack in Cork. It was particularly heinous and I compliment the gardaí on their role in apprehending those responsible.