Senator Devine raised the issue of job losses in Dundalk. They are most disappointing and distressing for the families and the workers involved. Senator Nash also raised it as a Commencement matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan. The Government's concern is for the workers directly affected by the announcement at this very difficult time for them and their families. Many of us have seen in our own work people who have been similarly treated. It is most upsetting and distressing. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is working across government with the workers in the transition to find new employment. It is also important to recognise that the reply Senator Nash received from the Minister of State recognises that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will provide the workers with "any redundancy, insolvency and jobseeker payments to which they may be entitled in a timely manner and will proactively help them to access available opportunities for employment". I think we all agree it should not have happened in the way it did and that the way the workers were treated was wrong.

I also referred to the issue of insolvency.

We had a somewhat similar situation in Vita Cortex in Cork, as the Senator may recall from his time as a Minister of State.

I was not involved; I was a backbencher at the time.

We worked collectively to try to rectify that situation. It is disappointing to see this happening today and it is unacceptable. All of us will work to ensure the employees are treated properly. That is the best thing I can say to the Senators right now. It is disappointing.

The Cathaoirleach indulged Senator Devine a little on the issue of the referendum on blasphemy, which I too hope will be passed. I will not engage in a discussion on the referendum. I also wish all of the presidential candidates every success and luck on Friday.