Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I was prompted by Senator Norris's expression of sympathy. I would like to be associated with what has been said and is now on the record. Tony Ryan was an entrepreneur of great vision who had a very beneficial impact on the economy in the past 25 years or so. He brought new frontiers to the aviation industry in Ireland. May he rest in peace.

I seek your guidance, a Cathaoirleach, as to what options are available to Members of this House to initiate and lead an all-Ireland debate on the economy. We are all aware of the current economic climate and the global situation. I listened with interest to some of the contributors on the opposite side of the House who made comments, worthy as they are, about issues needing attention such as Senator Hannigan's mention of the importance of broadband and the concern of Senators Buttimer and Bradford about the postponement of the development of the Amgen plant in Carrigtwohill. However, other issues are coming down the stream such as the planned EU single corporate tax rate and the implications it may have for Ireland. Some interesting comments have been made such as those by the chairman of the Ulster Bank on merging the authorities on the island with responsibility for the development of industry and our economy. What options are available to us to invite people who have made comments, like Dr. Gillespie and others, along with the policy makers and the political leadership, to have an all-island debate on the future of the economy?