Ms Gina Quin:

Connectivity is very important. The risk for Ireland of losing the connection could be detrimental to our economy. We know from talking to our members, that many of the multinational companies base decisions on investment in existing or new facilities on connectivity. Many of these companies are based in parts of the United States that do not have direct flights from Ireland. Therefore, they already have another connection point before they even get on a flight that will land in Ireland. This could be through Heathrow or through another part of the United States.

Let us not put this all on the shoulders of foreign direct investment, FDI, because there is a significant issue also in regard to Irish exporters and indigenous companies.