Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Bradford's call for a debate on the dairy industry, which has deteriorated significantly. It is very important to the economy, especially in rural Ireland.

I ask the Leader to draw the attention of the Minister for Finance to the dragged-out process pertaining to VAT repayments for purchases of fixed assets by farmers. I congratulate the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the manner in which he dealt with the newly restructured waste management payments but the problem has been aggravated by the fact that farmers are now waiting six to eight weeks for VAT repayments. Some of the sums involved are very significant. Some of the VAT is at the high rate and some at the low rate. The Limerick office apparently deals with this matter. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Finance to expedite repayments to farmers.

On the calling off of the day of action by the unions, we should give proper and due credit to the trade union movement for the manner in which it has approached this. We should support the unions as they have shown leadership and maturity. I was particularly disappointed to note the comments of Senator Healy Eames yesterday. She singled out one particular union, the INTO, and its officer board, of which she was highly critical. I understand the Senator was a member of that union and I am proud to say I was. It is a very responsible organisation that has shown great leadership and maturity in dealing with education matters and social partnership. I, as a member of that union, totally disassociate myself from the remarks of Senator Healy Eames.