Over recent months, I have been speaking to those in car dealerships in Donegal about problems they are facing. Because of the severe difficulties they are confronting with Brexit and the microchip shortage, car sales are in a perfect storm with lack of supply. Based on international reports, it is likely that the microchip shortage will last for the next year and possibly into 2023, which will lead to the very real risk of job losses over the next six months if no action is taken. It will mean substantial job losses in every county in the country. Does the Government have any plans to implement a scheme to protect jobs in the car industry?

It is accepted there is a significant global supply chain issue with microchips, impacting car manufacturing and the supply of cars in the marketplace. We do not intervene in every sector in respect of what transpires in given market situations. When the Deputy talks of a scheme to protect jobs, is he saying it should be for the salespeople of a dealership or what is he proposing?

Every dealership in the country is losing jobs.

If he forwards his ideas to me, we will look at them.