Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McDonnell for a comprehensive presentation. Coming from Cork, I am concerned about the pharmaceutical industry, which is a major player in the entire country, but in particular in the Cork region. The issue that arises in the US is its focus on why it is importing rather than manufacturing so many pharmaceuticals. From conversations I have had with representatives from some of the pharmaceutical companies, my understanding is that while it is fine to build a plant, you also need to have the personnel who can run it. That will take some time to work out in the US. Trump is asking why America is importing rather than manufacturing its pharmaceuticals. Could the next US President not adopt that message? Are we engaging in wishful thinking in believing this will all change again in three or four years' time? I am concerned that there is a bit of wishful thinking on our part on this. What is Dr. McDonnell's view?