Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

We are building a consensus around the creation of a national innovation agenda which combines an awareness of the depth and breadth of innovation activity already taking place and supported by our development agencies, with a determination to stimulate the demand for more innovative products. With that in mind I will shortly be publishing a comprehensive policy statement which will act as a guide to our approach in fostering innovation demand and an innovation culture in the economy and society. In his contribution last night, Deputy Morgan mentioned the all-island aspect of competitiveness. In this policy statement I will take account of innovation policy activity in Northern Ireland where it can contribute and help in the context of our innovation agenda.

International investment decisions to invest here are not merely goodwill gestures. They are made on the basis of hard facts, critical evaluation and the attractiveness of this country as a good place to invest. Ireland continues to attract a high share of global investment products and consistently scores high in comparative surveys and indices of FDI flows. FDI investment in Ireland is five times greater than the OECD average and——

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