Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good to have an opportunity to discuss the report from the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, which we received earlier in the week. In the context of the US presidential campaign, I am conscious of much commentary around the notion of bringing jobs back home. I have also heard it argued that the environment in the US is better for setting up businesses now, with improved competitiveness, reduced energy prices and so forth. The witnesses made the point that a European base will always be important but is there a trend towards establishing bases in the United States in preference to Europe? Are the aforementioned arguments having an effect?

I also wish to raise the issue of skills, to which Mr. O'Neill referred earlier. There has been regular commentary from the chamber on the skills needs of its member companies and on our education system and I ask the witnesses to elaborate on that area.