Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Martin for his comments. I agree this is a very important visit in its own right and it gives Ireland the opportunity to present itself as being a traditional friend of the United States, with many links through social, cultural, political and business activities. For example, I hope to have the opportunity to open the €300 million extension to the Coca Cola plant in Wexford before too long, Intel is spending €500 million on an expansion of its plant at Leixlip and there was the announcement yesterday of the joining of Elan and Alkermes in respect of the siting of the new Alkermes headquarters in Athlone.

I met quite a number of business and investment interests in New York last week and was enthused by their dedication and commitment to this country. Some results will come from that in the time ahead. This is a critical market for Ireland and the extent of trade, as the Deputy is aware, that crosses the Atlantic either way between Europe and the United States, including between Ireland and the United States, is very extensive.

I will ensure that there is appropriate reference to the US-Ireland research programme. I am aware of its activities over the years and know it played an important part in keeping Ireland up there in terms of awareness when times were not so good. It is an important element of the professional connection between our two countries.

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