Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Hannigan called for a debate on food costs. The escalating price of food can be discussed with another serious challenge, namely, escalating energy prices, during the debate on the economy.

Senator Glynn called for a debate on fish stocks. I understand Irish people were not the offenders in the cases the Senator cited. I am reliably informed the problem to which he alluded is having a serious effect on fish stocks in rivers and canals. I have no problem arranging a debate on the issue.

Senators Ross, Coghlan, Walsh and Norris called for an urgent debate on financial regulations and cited a number of cases. Senator Ross, who has considerable experience in this area, explained the issue in minute detail. This is a grave matter which should be discussed in the House with the Minister present. I will endeavour to have such a debate as soon as the Minister's diary is free.

Senators Mary White and Paddy Burke called for the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to come to the House to discuss a number of urgent matters. Senators will be able to express their views to the Minister when she appears before the House on Tuesday next from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Minister has always been forthcoming during question and answer sessions in the House.

Senators Hanafin and Coffey called for an urgent debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Mary Coughlan. The Minister was in the House in the past two weeks. I will provide details of the timeframe for such a debate in the next two to three sitting days.

Senator McFadden raised the issue of job losses at Iralco. I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the conclusion of today's business. The news from the company has come as a bombshell and its closure will be a major loss to the area. The difficulties facing Iralco, which employs 420 people, were the strength of the euro, high energy costs and the decision by workers to reject by a margin of 55% to 45% a proposal made by management. From the point of view of the workers, it should be noted they have not received a pay increase since September 2006. The challenges I outlined are common to the manufacturing industry.

Iralco has been the largest employer in north County Westmeath since 1965 and has made a major contribution to community life. The facility is a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant supplying Bentley, Ford, Volvo and Volkswagen. The closure of the company is a matter of grave concern in my local area. North County Westmeath and north County Meath are sad places as a result because a person from every second home works in the company. Five members of one family and four members of another family work in the plant. I welcome support from colleagues in County Westmeath and surrounding counties. I will comment further on the issue on the Adjournment.

Senator Coffey called for a debate on upskilling people who need to change employment. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment indicates that 60% of those in employment, particularly in manufacturing, will require upskilling and retraining by 2020 and FÁS has received substantial funding for this purpose. I hope Senators will focus on the future role of FÁS in the forthcoming debate because the organisation will find itself in an increasingly demanding position. I have no difficulty arranging a debate on the issue.

Senator Burke will, I am sure, ask the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, for an update on the problem with pharmacies when she appears before the House on Tuesday.