Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes. A total of 70 greenfield and expansion projects were sanctioned in 2004, and a further 71 in 2005. This year looks even better. The quality of this year's investments says a great deal about Ireland and its world class manufacturing capability in the field of pharmaceuticals and of bio-pharmaceuticals in particular. For example, the largest biotechnology company in the world, namely, Amgen, will locate a major bio-pharmceutical plant in Ireland. This follows other companies such as Wyeth, Cordis Corporation in Cashel and Servier, the French pharmaceutical company to be located in Belview on the Kilkenny-Waterford border. Two weeks ago, Merck Sharpe & Dohme announced a major expansion in Ballydine, County Tipperary.

See this speech in context