Ms Mary Buckley:

In my experience people have many opportunities within the multinational environment, to work in Ireland and often to travel overseas and gain experience. Some but not all take opportunities and have learnt a great deal. They have a lot of experience, have worked in innovative roles and take the opportunity to start something up. There are always innovation and start-ups when companies downsize or close, forcing people to use their experience and expertise and take that on board.

I recall many conversations about DEC in Galway. It greatly helped to drive and build Galway as a location for start-ups. Good start-ups emerged following that closure, which was a long time ago. Good things happened there. Following the closure of TalkTalk in Waterford in 2011, a new company, Eistec was established with a female entrepreneur, Heather Reynolds, who came out of that environment. Without a doubt the experience, expertise, and training and development that come from multinationals are there to help and encourage people if they decide to take that step.