Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

This morning thousands of people are travelling from the countryside to the capital to voice their concerns with regard to the world trade talks. Mr. Barroso, the European Commission President, is in Dublin Castle today and people are leaving their farms and communities to come to the city to display their concerns with regard to the future of Irish agriculture. We all know that 20 May is D-day in terms of the world trade talks and Commissioner Mandelson insists on forcing through his view without listening to the views of the constituent states of the European Union. Agriculture is a significant source to our economy and could yet be its saviour if it is handled and supported properly. There is a debate on agriculture in the Lower House this morning and I ask the Leader to facilitate such a debate in this House. It is important that we give it the attention it merits. Only last week we had a food festival in Dungarvan, County Waterford. Thousands attended the food festival, where primary local produce was on display. There is a genuine interest among our communities in supporting agriculture if the proper support is there from the Government and the EU. I ask that a debate be facilitated on this very important issue.

I also wish to refer to the recent trend with regard to jobs and the economy. I referred some time ago to the difficulties faced by Waterford Crystal, or Waterford Wedgwood, which has been a manufacturing flagship for the south east, not just Waterford, employing thousands of people in the past and currently employing approximately 600. As with the company in the Leader's constituency, its back is to the wall at this stage. The warning signals have been there for some time. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the House to outline clearly the plans, strategies and initiatives he will offer to the people and companies of Ireland, which are under serious pressure.

Ireland has been heavily dependent and over-reliant on the construction industry — we have said this for some time — and the chickens are now coming home to roost. I am interested to hear what the State agencies such as FÁS, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland can do to upskill those leaving their jobs and help them find employment.

There is a trend and we face a difficult time. It will take the proper attention this deserves from politicians across the political divide to ensure the security of our economy, whether with regard to jobs, manufacturing, construction or, as I said at the outset, agriculture. These are all important facets which need the full focus of the Government. I ask the Leader to bring my concerns to the attention of relevant Ministers.