Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

In terms of the crisis facing us nationally and internationally, every Member of the Oireachtas is obliged to assist in any way he or she can. If that happens to be a former Taoiseach, all the better. I know that all the Members on this side of the House, and all those whom I know and am friendly with on the opposite side of the House, are doing and will do everything they can to ensure we overcome the many challenges facing us. I am not aware that the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, is assisting the Government in that matter, but if he is, I welcome that.

I ask that the Leader provide for an urgent debate on the seven Border counties. As I am sure many people are aware, there are significant difficulties in that area from a retail perspective. Thousands of people are employed in the Irish indigenous retail sector throughout those counties. I have grave concerns in regard to the number of people crossing the Border, granted to get value for money. We must do all we can to ensure they get value for money this side of the Border. In this regard — I do not know whether this is appropriate but I will ask anyway — will the Leader, on behalf of Seanad Éireann, issue a letter to all multiples, whether of the UK or otherwise, with outlets in both jurisdictions, namely, on the southern and the northern sides of the Border, requesting that they ensure their prices, notwithstanding the currency differential, are at least comparable.

It was recently stated by a UK multiple that the Irish are prepared to pay more, but we are not. As a House of the Oireachtas, we should write to all UK and Irish multiples with outlets on both sides of the Border stating that we expect them to at least ensure their prices are comparable, notwithstanding VAT and currency differences. In that regard, I ask that the Leader bring to the urgent attention of the Minister for Finance and, if necessary, the Taoiseach the announcement this morning in the UK regarding a further reduction in its VAT levels. This is an enormous issue in terms of Border counties, in particular in regard to people going there to purchase alcohol, which they will.

I am aware it is against European law to do so, but we should be promoting Irish products with a buy Irish campaign and asking people to support their local sheriff. I accept we have an obligation to ensure our retailers give the best possible value for money, but we also have a responsibility to be patriotic and to look after our own. While we cannot, as a Government or an Oireachtas, put up banners saying "Give a job, buy Irish" as occurred in the 1980s, there is nothing to stop us as individuals encouraging it, and I certainly will do so.

I conclude by doing what I have promised to do each week until I get something other than a rhetorical reply. I refer to the discrimination against the people of the north-west region. I have again watched the well-produced advertisement on the television promoting BreastCheck for everybody except the people of the north west.