Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

As others have said, a good meeting was held this morning organised by the Library and Research Service, together with the Central Statistics Office. The entire economic remit was covered, particularly statistics from the CSO. Senator Crown articulated well one of the issues affecting the pharmaceuticals sector in that seven of the ten major drugs on which we rely heavily in terms of the importance of the pharmaceuticals sector will go off patent between now and 2014. The issue of pensions and the inadequate provision made in that regard was also raised. The third point made had to do with a new problem group - the 30 to 39 year age group which is carrying serious debt. I support the call made by Senator Darragh O'Brien for a debate on the issue. We could usefully have a weekly debate on specific aspects of the economy. It has been identified that a considerable number of people in that cohort account for €7.1 billion of the negative equity figure in the housing market. The nearest group - the 40 to 49 year age category - account for a fidure of €2.1 billion. Urgency is required in tackling this issue. On a number of occasions in the House I have been critical of the failure of leaders at European level to show the urgency required to arrest the stagnation and decline across the eurozone, but it behoves the Government to be super-active in tackling these issues. However, I do not see that level of urgency and would like to the House to reflect on the matter. There are many Members with the required expertise who could make valuable contributions and we should hone in on one area of the economy on a weekly basis.