Ms Joanna Murphy:

That is true and correct but it is not, however, the whole truth. The IDA would also say, if its representatives were here, that it recognises that there are many hundreds more jobs that have not been verified yet. It is explicitly clear on that point.

In respect of the 527 verified jobs, ConnectIreland knows that this is not the case because we have a relationship with these companies such as our colleagues here from SLM Connect. Let us imagine it was the case that only 527 jobs had been created, and we say the figure is much larger. There is still a return to the Exchequer in respect of the 527 jobs generated by an initiative that required no State subvention and which was based only on success. The figure is enormous. What is wrong with creating jobs on a success-only basis? What is wrong with rewarding the Irish diaspora for doing so? They reach areas of Ireland where, understandably, the IDA is concerned with attracting very big companies. The organisation does very big business on behalf of Ireland and does it well. What is wrong with a success-only initiative? Why would anyone bring the initiative to a halt in the context of a creative Ireland, a looming Brexit and a new US Administration? Why would anyone stop a channel to job creation that does not cost the taxpayer unless it succeeds?