James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not one bit surprised that there was a reduction in staffing levels because that happened right across the public sector. I would like to know if any of the functions in which the organisation was involved and activities it undertook previously were taken over by any other agency, Department or group of individuals. If not, what are the implications of that and how would the witnesses like to see it addressed?

I am also interested in IDA Ireland's view on the impact of the higher tax rates in this country. We are all aware that we are currently having great difficulty attracting senior medical personnel, for example, not because we pay less but because they pay more tax here than elsewhere. There are, of course, other ways of addressing that issue such as providing sums of money for moving, allowances for rental and various other initiatives. Thinking outside the box could result in attracting the highly skilled people we need, rather than creating a two tier tax system.

Finally, I wish to refer to the innovation hub. We have, as the witnesses already pointed out, the top IT companies in the world located here. We also have the top pharmaceutical and medical devices companies in the world located in Ireland. It seems to be that there is an opportunity for synergies between those to create even more products that will not alone enhance the life and longevity of our own population but which would also be very profitable for export. Perhaps the witnesses could give the committee an update on that area, if not now, then in written form at a later date. I feel that this is an area we have not exploited to the full.