Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Buttimer should listen and learn. RTE's programme did not get through to him last week. The Senators have called for an urgent debate on this issue and I will look at the diary and try to have it take place in the next few weeks. I am keen to see what can be done to help and assist the Department, the Minister and colleagues in respect of their strong views regarding this matter.

Senators MacSharry, Reilly, Mooney, Bradford and Wilson made a call on the people. Senators MacSharry, Reilly, Wilson, Paschal Mooney and myself live in the relevant area. We have called on the people to ask their brokers to give the Quinn Insurance Group an opportunity to quote and to keep, help and assist the thousands of people employed at this very difficult time. I echo everything Senator Wilson says about Seán Quinn and his achievements. Those of us who know the importance of creating a job, how difficult that is and who have done so must acknowledge the great Irish person that is Seán Quinn. He has made an incredible contribution to the Irish economy over 36 years. It is unbelievable. Very few others have achieved the achievements of Seán Quinn and we should acknowledge that in the House and not be ashamed or afraid to do so. It is also in order to say that one or two bad decisions were made. Everyone is only human but this man has been exemplary in the way he has conducted his affairs and his business.