Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We go to them. It is evident what sectors will be in difficulty. Likewise, €27 million extra was allocated to the national training fund for FÁS in-company training. This will allow it to get ahead of the game before people are made redundant in any restructuring of a company. Traditionally, FÁS rushed in providing programmes after people were laid off. This will mean a change in mindset from some employers to facilitate this, either in the workplace or in a learning environment, and for employees to take it up.

I do not have an argument with the Deputy on the core issue. I see Enterprise Ireland as the key agency for indigenous enterprise. Its role is in identifying problems and providing whatever range of supports it can, such as marketing and research, to enable a company to reposition itself and copperfasten its sustainability. IDA Ireland's strategy continues to develop new functions in existing companies and develop a broad portfolio of functions rather than having it depend on one core activity.

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