Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I compliment the Minister on her mission to the United States. It is important that she should continue that role regarding foreign direct investment with IDA Ireland. Did the extreme importance of Ireland's young, vibrant, well-educated and highly-skilled workforce, its low tax regime and flexible policies come across during her mission? While I acknowledge such projects have long gestation periods, is the Minister hopeful in these difficult times as a result of her visit?

I was surprised by the study or survey that purported to reveal discontent among multinationals regarding Ireland's supposedly high costs and poor infrastructure despite the investment in infrastructure of a great deal of money in the past 15 years. Did this issue arise, was it bubbling below the surface or did anyone refer to it? I do not anticipate that anyone did so. How did the survey results that up to 60% of such multinationals were dissatisfied in one form or other surface? I was greatly surprised by the alleged contents of the survey, which I have not seen. I understand it was secret, although it appears to have entered the public domain. While I am not familiar with it, I read reports of it. Its contents surprised me greatly because our educated workforce, flexibility and motivation, the infrastructure Ireland provides for many firms that come here, together with its lower corporate tax rates constitute huge elements of attraction. Was anything bubbling beneath the surface that gave the Minister cause for concern or that she might be obliged to re-examine to ensure Ireland remains as competitive as it was?

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