Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Quinlivan and I will work together on that.

My point is more of an observation on the Minister's comment that "skills are a global currency". I think we have to remember the Irish diaspora and the skills set of the modern Irish emigrant who had to leave in 2008 and 2009, when we had moved from a service to a knowledge-based economy in 2005 onwards. Those who left - be it the graduates or those with three or four years experience would now have a wealth of experience and if they did not chose to return home, they would have a network of colleagues which we could search for the skilled personnel we need, particularly in innovation. I know that those who work for large organisations have a knowledge that they will bring back to the country. I think we should prioritise the diaspora when we consider recruitment. We want to look after those living here but if there is a skills shortage, we should look at the networks of the Irish diaspora for those skilled in innovation, who can generate more growth when they return.