John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to request the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Coughlan, to come to House to debate, before Christmas, the promotion of a Buy Irish campaign within the confines of EU rules. There are many positive things we can do. I am encouraged that the price of oil is falling, interest rates are falling — there is a cut of 0.5% due by the ECB this week, to be followed by another 0.5% — and the significant amount of money given in the budget to county enterprise boards and Leader schemes to promote indigenous industry.

It is never the wrong time to do the right thing. Even if things begin to look better, it is still important that we continue to support Irish jobs in any way we can and perhaps take a lead in this House. A visit from the Minister would generate focus and an opportunity for Members of this House and the Department to explain the direction we are taking on this issue.