John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

With regard to Shannon Development the same applies. We receive reports and it is monitored.

Enterprise Ireland has 31 offices throughout the world so its activities must be taken into account with regard to its cost base and what value we get for it. With regard to missions abroad and what they achieve for business in Ireland I believe they give value for money in this context and I have quoted these figures previously, including €65 million in China and €25 million in Dubai. It must be measured against activities and its level of presence in other economies and throughout the world. In the context of public sector reform I am sure the numbers will be examined. My views on this are known and I will continue to express them and hope we will have an efficient and professional public service for the future.

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