John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Many Irish companies are also using international supply chains. I understand Deputy Wallace's point about growing capable, indigenous companies. Multinationals' domestic demand depends on timeframes and companies' ability to supply them. The Taoiseach is determined to examine the €14 billion that is spent annually on public procurement in terms of small to medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, and the rest of the private sector. We can create opportunities for SMEs to participate in the procurement process. A number of seminars were held across the region so that buyers could meet and agree contracts with potential customers.

The IDA is anxious to ensure multinationals do more business with SMEs that have the capacity to supply them. The Government would encourage such a development, as it would also create indirect jobs. IDA companies employ 140,000 people and one indirect job is created for every direct job. The same applies in the case of the 135,000 people working in Enterprise Ireland companies. This is a factor to consider when supplying to multinationals.

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