Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Would the Minister agree that for a long time the Government has concentrated on foreign direct investment? It is great that we have foreign investment here; unfortunately, however, there is always a temptation for such companies to move to countries where their costs are lower. For too long, we have not concentrated enough on indigenous industry. This is a major problem for us. In Wexford, where 20,000 people are already unemployed, 80 jobs have been lost at Sola ADC Lenses. I have not seen much effort being put into the creation of indigenous industry in the Wexford area and in Ireland generally. This is a major problem. It would be a feather in the cap of this Government if it changed track and put far more resources and effort into the development of indigenous industry.

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