Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I support the comments on Waterford Crystal of my colleague Senator Coffey. What is happening is very serious for my city of Waterford. The Government decision not to guarantee the loan to Waterford Crystal puts in jeopardy the jobs of the remaining 550 workers in this flagship industry. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment must come to the House to clarify what assistance will be made available to this company to protect the jobs of the remaining 550 workers. However, this involves not only the jobs of these people. As was stated, Waterford Crystal is of considerable benefit to tourism not only in Waterford but throughout the country. It would be a disaster if anything happened to this company.

The Government said it did not want to set a precedent but precedents have been set previously with PMPA, Larry Goodman and several other companies which were bailed out by Governments over the years. I reckon the workers of Waterford Crystal have paid more PRSI and tax to the Exchequer than those in any other company but when they asked for support from the Government, they were turned down. This is unacceptable.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment must come to this House to explain what will be done to protect these workers. We have spoken about the manufacturing industry for a number of years but nothing is being done to protect that and other indigenous industries. Our competitiveness is declining daily but the Government is doing nothing about it. I support the call for a debate on this issue by my colleague Senator Coffey.