Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

The recent budget brought home very forcefully to us all the situation in which we find ourselves. While I did not hear the interview with Peter Sutherland this morning, I have been told about it and I believe it was very positive. However, something brought to my attention annoys me. We have all taken pain to a greater or lesser extent. I have been made aware that some companies are using this crisis to reduce the wages of their staff. One case has been brought to my attention in Mullingar in which a person is earning a paltry wage, is not working full-time and has had to take a cut. That person was getting time and a half after a certain time in the evening and that has now been abolished. I always heard it said that one cannot have less than nothing. However, if I were to reveal to the House the wages or the amount of money this person receives in a week from this company, one might guess to whom I am referring and I will refrain from doing so. We all accept that pain must be taken publicly and privately and in whatever sector in which we work. Nevertheless, it is regrettable that some employers are using the crisis, which obtains in this country and internationally, to reduce the wages of employees. I would welcome a debate on this matter.

I support the comments of Senator Walsh and others and there should be a debate in the House on the matter raised. I do not support euthanasia in any shape or form. I worked in the health services for many years and I saw people fight to the very bitter end to hold on to life. Where there is life there is hope and hope springs eternal. That is my view, but nevertheless there should be a debate on the matter.

At a time when we are very much in the mould of reduce, reuse, recycle, especially in the farming industry, which is still very important to the country, a number of products are available that could reduce the cost of fertiliser to the farming community which are made locally in the midlands and Mullingar. I would appreciate a debate in this area. Perhaps the Minister of State with responsibility for food, Deputy Trevor Sargent, could come to the House and sponsor such a debate.