Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

As I outlined earlier, the predicament in which Waterford Crystal finds itself is a matter of important and national significance. As we all know this company has been a major plank for the economy of the southeast and Waterford city. We need to debate not alone the issue of manufacturing in Waterford but of competitiveness in Ireland in general.

Waterford Crystal continued to export goods when no other industry could do so and it now needs Government support in finding a mechanism through which it can continue into the future. I mentioned earlier the tourism implications of this company folding. It is a major flagship for tourism in the south east and it must be supported. It promotes inward investment from the luxury liner industry. Many of the liners moored in the Waterford estuary during the summertime provide spin-off tourism benefits for the many hotels, restaurants and business in the southeast.