John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I will speak about the electricians' strike, although I take a much different perspective from previous speakers. A report in the media has suggested the electricians were offered a deal on the basis of an immediate 10% cut in pay followed by the commencement of negotiations. If this report is true, it amounts to an ultimatum rather than negotiation. Given the responsible approach taken by the trade unions to date in this difficult crisis, it would surprise me if they were to change fundamentally their attitude, which includes calling for an all out strike. If the report is correct and an ultimatum was given, a fundamental trade union principle is at stake and the union in question will have been placed in an impossible position. In that case, I would understand the reason the trade unions feel as they do. The ultimatum must be withdrawn and simultaneously the electricians should return to work. We are in a crisis and everyone must put their shoulder to the wheel in these difficult times.

On the Shell to Sea campaign, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the necessity for the development of the Corrib gas field. A great deal of misinformation has been disseminated, including exaggerated claims by the Shell to Sea campaign that the gas field is worth in the order of €500 billion. Recently, 18% of the total shareholding in the Corrib gas field was sold for €100 million. That places a value on the field. Let us not have exaggerated claims or fear-mongering. While I did not concur with Senator Norris on this issue, his description last week of a machine appearing off the west coast was wonderful. The imagery he used made it seem as if Dr. Evil's machine in the James Bond movies was gobbling up the satellites.