Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I do not dispute that. Ireland, as one of only two English-speaking EU member states, has an opportunity to be the pioneer. I do not know whether the Minister has considered Fine Gael's 2004 proposal of a transatlantic foundation based in Shannon. There would be an added bonus for Ireland and new economic activity, but it would also strengthen Ireland's role as the United States of America's gateway into Europe. It is a major opportunity, but it does not seem to have been considered by the Minister.

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