Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am not so sure that the activities the Deputy has been engaged in sends out a wonderful signal to external investors who wish to invest in Mayo. Far from trying to arrive at a reasonable solution, the quality of the engagement by the Deputy and others on this issue actually sends out a negative signal in terms of trying to attract investment. We should always endeavour to exploit natural resources when they become available, particularly as this country has not had good experience of discovering such hydro-carbon resources — we have only had one before this. As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I respectfully put it to the Deputy that I am conscious of the signals the unfolding of this saga is giving externally.

See this speech in context