Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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The expiration of patents in the pharmaceutical sector may have been discussed already. Clearly, the issue is having an impact on Ireland's GDP and I presume it will continue to do so. Does the expiration of patents have any implications on the commitment of major pharmaceutical companies to maintain a base here? It will clearly have implications for their productivity. Does it also have implications for employment and Ireland's ability to attract similar industries to locate here in future? What are the ramifications of this issue and what issues should the joint committee consider in this regard?