Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Certainly this is a serious situation. I understand Government agencies are and have been in contact and will continue to be in contact with the company with a view to minimising the loss of jobs in that area.

Senator O'Brien and several other Senators raised the question of illegal diesel. The matter was raised by Senators Landy, Mullins and others and it is a serious problem. If, as Senator Landy has stated, the Customs and Excise need more sophisticated equipment to detect and prove the case, it should be provided. All necessary equipment should be provided for the Customs and Excise and the Garda to root out the scourge of illegal diesel in our society. It is an all-Ireland problem, caused by subversives in many cases and it must be stamped out. At a time when we need finance, it is costing the Exchequer large amounts of money.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the Keane report and housing in general and a debate on the €500 million on rental subsidy which is paid annually. We have requested the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, to come to the House to discuss these items and I hope he will be in with us soon.

Senator Zappone referred to the loop system. Anything that can assist Members in the performance of their duties should be supported in the House and I thank the Senator for raising this important point. Several Members have hearing difficulties in the House and the same applies in the other House. I thank the Senator for raising the matter with me and I am satisfied that the system will be in place soon.

Senator Quinn commented on the issue of carbon monoxide detectors. I will raise the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. He will be here today and he will be here later to speak on local government, a topic on which many other Senators have requested a debate. His suggestion that detectors should be put in all new homes should be taken up by the Minister and we will raise the matter with him.

Senators Leyden and Daly remarked on the exchange of prisoners between Palestine and Israel. I have asked the Tánaiste to come to the House. He has a busy schedule but he has promised that he will come in as soon as possible and we can hold a debate with him on this and many other items related to foreign affairs. I hope the exchange of prisoners will be a new beginning and that it will bring the parties to the negotiating table. This is what everyone seeks and I hope it will take place soon.