Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I, too, want to be associated with the messages of congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. It was great for democrats in any part of the world to see the democratic process being played out before our eyes in the past 24 hours. It inspires hope for all of those people who are democrats in the truest sense of the word. It is the people who have the final say and it is the people who choose their leaders, and their decision is very welcome.

I am somewhat concerned about Barack Obama's tax and employment policies and the implications they may have for Ireland. I wish to focus on the position close to home. On a number of previous occasions, I requested a debate on the manufacturing sector. The latter is reporting record falls in output, orders and employment figures, which are at their lowest levels since 1998. Almost on a daily basis, manufacturing companies announce job losses, redundancies and the fact that people will be placed on short-time working arrangements. Some 30% of manufacturing companies have reported lower employment levels. Since last month, the number of people on the live register increased by 15,800. This is a serious problem and it must be addressed.

I am deeply concerned about this matter and I call on the Leader to request the relevant Minister to come to the House to engage in a debate on it. The manufacturing sector has been neglected. Senator Quinn stated that he has not heard people refer to what should or should not be done. In my opinion, the manufacturing sector should not be neglected. Fine Gael has continually stated that we should focus on improving export markets and services, supporting manufacturing interests, addressing the lack of competitiveness and bringing about major public sector reform. My party put forward clear proposals before, during and after the debate on the budget. I do not know from where the myth to the effect that there are no alternatives available comes.