John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Quinn's call for a debate on the future of agriculture in Europe. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald and other speakers in their request that the Leader reconsider the proposal to limit the Order of Business. Members on both sides of the House regularly and justifiably complain about the lack of coverage by various media outlets of the proceedings of this House. Any proposal to limit artificially what is generally the most interesting aspect of our daily business will not assist us in securing increased media interest in our work.

I agree with Senator Alex White's comments on this week's schedule, which includes only three items of business. It is unacceptable that the Government proposes to limit the Order of Business when there is so little work on the schedule. With all due respect to my eminent colleague, Senator Regan, whose contribution to the discussion on the 70th anniversary of the Constitution will undoubtedly be outstanding, there are more important issues to discuss. There is more than enough time in the schedule to accommodate some of the issues raised by speakers today.

I share the concerns expressed by Senator Ross and other speakers in regard to the High Court judgment in the Ó Cuanacháin case. A debate on this issue should be accommodated later today or tomorrow.

I support the calls by Senators de Búrca and Donohoe for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House for a discussion on the increased number of redundancies in the six-week period since the last sitting of the House. There have been several high-profile closures as well as numerous job losses in smaller businesses. The Jacob's factory in south Dublin is a landmark industry but production there will cease with significant job losses. Allergan announced job losses at its plant in Arklow today. In my area, we have had announcements of the closure of smaller businesses in Freshford, Callan and Kilkenny. It is appropriate that a debate on this issue should take place this week.

I agree with Senator Kelly's comments on the schools summer works scheme. As a former member of a school board of management, I am outraged at the Minister's decision to terminate this scheme. There is great pressure on parent councils and boards of management throughout the State to raise funds for the upkeep of schools. The summer works scheme provided essential services for many schools. There must be a full debate on how the Government proposes to replace the scheme and on the rationale for its termination.