Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join other Members in welcoming the fact that the first union has approved the Croke Park deal. It is a very positive development, with the other positive news in recent days. The Exchequer returns are showing signs of improvement. While I would not yet call for a celebration, the signs are encouraging and show that the policies, although painful, are beginning to produce the dividends for which we all yearn.

In recent weeks the Quinn Group has been the subject of major discussion. There are many jobs in the group which we hope can be maintained. As a gesture of solidarity, the Leader of the House and other party leaders in this House and, perhaps, the party leaders in the Lower House could call on all Irish people whose insurance policies are due to be renewed in the coming months not to drop the broker or company with which they are dealing but at least to seek a quote for the business from Quinn Insurance. It would be an interesting way to show support for the company and, if it is in a position to compete, we could seek to support the almost 6,000 people employed there. It would be an innovative move. I am aware the issue is close to the Cathaoirleach's heart as we have discussed it in the past.

I seek a debate on the funding of sports and recreational infrastructure. The sports capital programme was a very useful grants scheme. It affected every community for a relatively small amount of money; I believe the budget was approximately €50 million per annum. We could usefully reintroduce that programme. It would benefit every community and, more importantly, create much needed employment in small schemes in all parts of the country. I ask the Leader to contact the Department of Finance and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport to see if it could be brought forward in the short term.