The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, will be questioned in the Dail today on the Government's response to the growing economic consequences of the foot-and-mouth scare.
"Already there are signs that lay-offs in the transport, entertainment and tourism sectors are driving many workers back to the dole queues," according to the Fine Gael spokesman on enterprise, trade and employment, Mr Charlie Flanagan. "Yet the response from the Government to date has been mute."
Fine Gael is calling for an expert economic committee to be set up comprising Government departments and agencies as well as representatives of the sectors adversely affected by the crisis. Such a committee should consider the relevant relief measures to help those worst affected, it will stress.
"The tourist industry in particular is facing huge problems, with up to 20,000 jobs at risk," Mr Flanagan said. The suspension of outdoor activities, including horse racing, golf and other sports meant a "huge drop" in business and job losses: "Many commercial enterprises are facing a bleak year as the disease in Britain does not appear to have peaked yet."
Most important, however, was the need for an accurate assessment of the economic impact of the emergency measures and the likely adverse consequences for the economy.