Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

New companies, such as Power-One, Cook Incorporated etc, are important. We know what happens when companies become embedded in our economy. They grow and evolve and new functions come on stream. This confirms the capacity of the region to attract foreign direct investment in the first instance, which is positive.

In terms of the restructuring of activities, I explained that the advent of the new independent airport authority is a significant development for Shannon and we need to work out the optimum structural arrangements to facilitate ongoing job creation in the area. Discussions are ongoing in that regard.

See this speech in context