M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

We are in the middle of probably the biggest downturn in 20 years and because of the prudent and progressive management of the economy, I have no doubt we shall see that through and come out on the far side, in a year, two years or whenever with enhanced employment. Last year we saw for the first time that more than 2 million individuals were employed. That trend will continue and it affords an opportunity for Irish people to live and work at home. In the short time I have I want to thank the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for ensuring that a quality employer such as Merck Sharp and Dohme, MSD, has set up in Carlow. We have a 65 acre business park there which it has taken over and we look forward to welcoming MSD and many other foreign companies under the Government's FDI programme. Because of the stewardship of the country and the economy I believe we shall see many more.

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