Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We are in a globalised world, which means we can never stand still but must consistently look ahead and ask where we should be in five or ten years time. That is the approach I take as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the reason for my concentration on the science and technology innovation strategy published last year. I worked with eight other Departments under the aegis of the strategy for science, technology and innovation Cabinet sub-committee to say to the world that Ireland is moving up the value chain, particularly in the area of fourth level research, and that we want to become a world-class centre for innovation and the development of new products, services and ways of doing things. We have also put in place the national upskilling strategy, which is intended to make sure that all the people working in the economy at present can explore ways of increasing their qualifications and certifications, be more flexible and adaptable and rise up the value chain.

In terms of our current position, I refer Deputy Jim O'Keeffe to the 2006 annual report from IDA Ireland. Last year was probably one of the best in the past five to six years for FDI. The quality of FDI, which is the key issue, is of the highest standard. Companies such as Amgen, notwithstanding its decision to delay, chose to come to Ireland as opposed to anywhere else. Glaxo Smithkline and Beecham have made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector. The first ever drug discovery centre has been established in tandem with the alimentary pharmabiotics centre in UCC. PepsiCo, eBay, Amazon, Georgia Tech in Athlone and Google, with up to 96 language competencies in Dublin, are further examples of companies locating in Ireland. In the higher end sectors of digital media, financial services such as Northern Trust in Limerick, medical devices and pharmaceutical and biopharma, Ireland is punching above its weight and doing very well.

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