James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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I am glad to hear Mr. Woulfe say that in response. It is a sitting duck. Mr. Woulfe referred to Station F. One of the key funders behind that was Xavier Niel, who owns a huge share in Eir. There are companies in Ireland that have some of the best minds in the world involved in respect of entrepreneurial activity. It might not require that much Exchequer intervention if a credible plan is put forward in conjunction with both the Department and Dublin City Council. That is a huge opportunity.

I am coming at this with the IFSC in mind, wondering whether there is potential for rejuvenating or retrofitting it into a modern, fit-for-purpose national campus with some of the best entrepreneurial activity in the world, having regard to what is within a two-hour travelling distance. I want to put it on Mr. Woulfe’s radar. I hope to speak to him about this again.

I am very concerned about regional employment and how we can support locations in rural Ireland. I grew up in Youghal, a town that had seen considerable industrial decline. We need to do more with agencies like Enterprise Ireland and of course IDA Ireland to identify locations that are disadvantaged and need investment. Is that on Mr. Woulfe’s radar as somebody who grew up and lives in a rural community? Is it on his agenda to work with areas like Youghal and other parts of the country that need to see more work done to attract investment and enterprise?