John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

While naturally I would share in the calls for a debate on the economy and to have such a debate at the earliest opportunity, to call for such a debate today in the full and certain knowledge that the Tánaiste is abroad doing her duty is inappropriate. The Leader might arrange such a debate at the next timely opportunity. This is an issue about which Members have some expertise because they can recall the many different schemes, proposals and incentives that were introduced in the 1980s and early 1990s to ensure people returned to work. Such innovative methods exist or, in other words, Members have been all around the houses on this issue and could have a useful debate on this specific issue that would contribute to the national debate.

I also wish to share in the views of those who are highly disappointed with the Shell to Sea campaign. In the mid-19th century in England, on the introduction of mechanisation to agricultural areas, a group called the Luddites destroyed the machines.