Seanad debates

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

3:00 am

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on job creation at a suitable time. I congratulate the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, on his speedy response to today's announcement by Pfizer of 270 job losses at its Kildare plant over the next 18 months and a further 500 jobs at risk at its Cork plant.

We should not lose sight of the fact that Pfizer continues to employ in excess of 4,200 people in Ireland and that there are thousands of other people involved and employed in the pharmaceutical industry, which is very strong in Ireland and which, it is to be hoped, will continue to grow. We should not lose sight of the fact that this has come about because of a merger with Wyeth, which, it is also to be hoped, will strengthen the company and facilitate greater job opportunities in the future.

I refer to the doom and gloom from the Opposition. We are conscious that the euro is under pressure and that there are problems in Greece related to the financial markets, but we should call on the Leader to pass on our heartiest congratulations to the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, on yet another success in the sale of Government bonds and raising in excess of €1.5 billion at this difficult time. Heartiest congratulations should be passed on.

Will the Leader seek clarification on the utterances of the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, in respect of social welfare pensions? His remarks have created fear and anxiety among older people, who I often refer to as having given a full, measured contribution towards what we inherited in this country. I am totally opposed to any cuts in respect of social welfare pensions. This should be relayed to the Minister.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.