Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I know the workers at NEC were shocked at the news of the plant's closure and that they have provided a loyal and quality service to the company over the years. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, the agencies operating under his remit and Meath County Council will take every step to secure alternative employment for the workers and to replace investment in the area.

Before we lose the run of ourselves, however, we should note that the economy employs 2 million people and we have created 500,000 jobs in the last several years. In terms of foreign direct investment, we got the greatest number of the jobs available from the United States in recent years. For example, we have 20% of the share in unwrapped software and 40% of the share in wrapped software. Exports last year were €85 billion, one of the highest figures in the OECD.

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