Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

One of this House's functions is to clarify Government thinking, our own thinking and, to the furthest possible extent, public thinking on various issues. Now is a good time for a debate on Northern Ireland, and there is also a need to debate agricultural concerns, such as how the nitrates directive is to be implemented and what derogations will be sought to make it compatible with sustainable farming.

We will have two opportunities, today and tomorrow, to discuss the economy and employment policy. As we know, the economy is doing well. There are, nonetheless, certain concerns with regard to future security and conditions of employment. Our duty is to give some leadership on this issue.