Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is an outstanding tribute to the management and staff there. Our challenge is to get an increased level of that type of activity in Ireland so that those locations become the key ones for global companies and that we retain our position.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, is working actively on the broadband issue. We have made extraordinary progress in the past two years from what I accept was a low base and there are considerable challenges on the broadband agenda, but I am confident. The Minister, Deputy Ryan's draft policy paper is currently being updated. He held a major forum on it recently. We will make considerable progress, particularly in terms of next generation broadband which is important.

We urge that it be a constructive debate, devoid of unnecessary political point scoring and negativity. It is in our interest to portray to the world that we acknowledge the challenges of the present day but are prepared to put in place the correct policy pillars to guarantee future employment and competitiveness in the economy.

See this speech in context