John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senator Brian Hayes for his co-operation on the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill. Senators Brian Hayes, Ryan, Mansergh, Finucane, Norris, Maurice Hayes, Ross, Ormonde, Quinn, Hanafin, Ulick Burke, White and Henry referred to job losses, competitiveness and tax harmonisation. It is depressing to hear of job losses in Procter & Gamble and Thomson Scientific. The losses at the former are not as severe as we thought at first. That does not mean it is not serious for the 300 people who may lose jobs but some 200 jobs will be saved. Serious questions are raised by the matter and it merits a debate.

Ireland has one of the most open, globalised economies in the world and is very competitive. If we were not, we would not survive in this environment. This is a tribute to employees. While wages are high, productivity is also high by international standards. This is the route to survival. There have been job increases nationally as well as job losses over the past years. Yesterday's report on skills indicated we expect to create 1 million jobs in the next ten years. We must adjust our educational system and FÁS, to which Senator Ormonde referred.

There is unanimity on tax harmonisation in this country. It has been defended at draft constitutional treaty talks and successive Council meetings. It will be defended by the Government and will not be conceded, irrespective of what Germany wants to do. As a result of our trip to Washington the Cathaoirleach is aware that there is international fascination with our success. We must be doing something right.

We should have a motorway to Cork and other cities but the projects undertaken at present are being completed on time and within budget. This is an indication of our competitiveness and a tribute to those working on the projects.

Regarding agriculture, it is a characteristic of the past century that when the economy was successful people left the land. This happened in the 1970s and in the 1990s. Happily, such people do not have to take the boat anymore. Is it any wonder young people will not take up farming if they are being told how terrible it is at the breakfast table? I have a son, and some young people want to farm, as my generation did in our 1920s. We did not care about the Government and red tape. We wanted to farm.