John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

The workers in Castlecomer took their redundancy in December 2003 because they were given a commitment by the Tánaiste that they would be covered by the terms of the new Bill. They could have continued in business until 1 January if they had known that they would not be covered by that Bill. They were deliberately conned by the Tánaiste in this regard and we have tried every avenue to highlight it. Senator Browne and I have raised it several times on the Adjournment, the Order of Business, the Finance Bill and with all legislation brought before the House by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It has been brushed under the carpet each time, including by the current Minister, Deputy Martin. Perhaps the Minister is not in a position to give an answer——