: I share the views of the Minister on this matter. It is a difficult dilemma for any Minister. One always tries to achieve the result by persuasion, if possible, rather than using the legal system, which can be protracted. I ask the Minister to consider the position generally with regard to this Act. There is the growing tendency where the insolvency of a company may create problems for people, whether it be awards made under this Act or with regard to redundancy payments. Because of the number of job losses, does the Minister not think this is the right time to review the position of employees in regard to such awards —in other words, to protect them? I had not the time to face up to this problem when I was in the Department but it was a matter of concern to me then, as I am sure it is to the Minister now.

: The Deputy will be aware that legislation on insolvency is being considered and I hope that before the end of the year we will have a Bill dealing with this problem. I agree with the Deputy that what he suggests should be done.

: May I say——

: We are having a perfectly orderly and gentlemanly debate and it is a precedent which the Chair wishes to see.

: The Ceann Comhairle knows I was never involved in any other type of debate. The Minister can rest assured that he will have my support on this legislation but will he give further consideration to the necessity for including all the awards in the insolvency legislation and ensuring the protection of workers' entitlements? We all know the difficulties in this area. I urge him to impress on his Department the urgency of this legislation.

: I will.