I rise to raise the plight of the 1,100 workers at Bausch & Lomb in Waterford. It is a very tense time in Waterford city and, in particular, at the company concerned in terms of the-----

The Senator has already tabled that matter for discussion on the Adjournment.

Yes, but I would like also to raise with the Leader today the unilateral decision taken by the company last week to announce 200 redundancies and pay cuts of up to 20%. Negotiations in this regard are ongoing. We all wish the trade unions well in their discussions with the management. However, there will be a need for Government support to shore up jobs at the plant.

The Minister will address this issue on the Adjournment.

On behalf of all members of this House, I ask the Leader to impress upon the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the importance of the retention of as many jobs as possible in Waterford and the need for him to do all he can to make that a reality.

We have a responsibility to represent the 1,100 workers and this is the place to do so. Therefore, I ask the Leader of the House to use his office to impress upon the Minister the urgency and seriousness of this situation, given the very high level of unemployment in Waterford and the feelings of the workforce. I also want the Leader to impress upon him its importance and the need for the Government to be an active participant in finding a solution.