Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

The Government has focused on particular sectors, as is proper, but, as has been said, there is a pressing need to focus on manufacturing because of its benefits. Approximately 2.5 jobs come with every manufacturing job and 0.7 jobs with every service job. The Minister referred to competitiveness being regained by the State vis-À-vis other states.

Deputy Wallace claimed the State is very much focused on computer services and pharmaceuticals with regard to exports. If these two sectors were removed, it would change the balance of payments in a massive way. The imbalance creates vulnerability for the State. We had an economy built on one sector in the past and when that sector collapsed, the economy collapsed. What strategy has the Government to ensure diversification from computer services and pharmaceuticals?

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