Feargal Quinn (Independent)

On that basis we should have a select committee to hear various views that might be expressed.

It has been proposed to hold a debate on competitiveness. The loss of 350 jobs at the NEC plant in Ballivor is a sign of what is happening and is likely to continue to happen. Our future is unlikely to be in manufacturing, which is much more likely to take place in Asia and elsewhere. Our future lies in high added value and internationally-traded services. Unless we take note of this and make decisions to put ourselves into a competitive league to a greater extent than at present, we will not succeed. Therefore, I support the call for an urgent debate on competitiveness.