Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I am confident, although I acknowledge this has not been an easy year by any means. However, the evidence is that despite our difficulties, this sector, which employs 25,000 people, increased employment by 1,400 last year. We are, therefore, beating the trend about which the Deputy is worried. A total of 1,200 new job approvals have been announced so far this year. It is not true that we are over reliant on the pharmaceutical sector. It produces a high proportion of our exports but, as an employment creator, it is an important sector and it has become a strong cluster. We can attract new opportunities because we have the skills base. It is recognised that we have good people in this sector and, therefore, it is not true to suggest we are over reliant on it or that it is a bubble sector.

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