Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I have a number of questions. The last three paragraphs of page 2 of the Minister's speech and the first paragraph of page 3 should be included in a letter to the company. The Minister is making his remarks on the record of the Seanad but they would have some strength if they were on the Minister's headed paper and sent to the company. He would not be doing anything wrong by doing so as he would be stating what he is stating in the Seanad. The remarks would have extra impact.

We must acknowledge how pitiful it is to have seen 29 strong, skilled workers standing at a brazier since before Christmas, the caravan beside them being their only shelter. In the event of the company closing down, as is planned, what does the Minister propose to do to retrain the staff?

I want the Minister to think about these issues and not just respond to me now, although I will be delighted to hear his response now if he wishes to give it. What does he propose to do to protect the brick industry and keep the jobs in Ireland? There is a strong export demand for the bricks that come from Kingscourt as they are well known.

I appeal to the media to consider this issue, visit the workers at the brazier, look inside their caravan and note the suffering they have had to put up with for the past 12 weeks. The media should highlight their plight as this would be of considerable assistance to the workers in dealing with the company.