Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I would like to take issue with the suggestion that foreign enterprise is some sort of an enclave. Foreign enterprise employs 150,000 people and the agencies supporting indigenous companies employ approximately the same number of people. The global spend of both sectors in the Irish economy is about equal. Foreign-owned export-oriented companies spend as much in the Irish economy as indigenous companies. They spend on services and materials, and while there has been a decline in materials, there has been a growth in services. Therefore, the sector is embedded.

As Deputy Sherlock would tell the Deputy, the development of the science clusters we have is crucial now. There are very close relationships between multinational companies and our higher education institutes, which provide research and links, through technology centres, to indigenous companies. We have been successful in creating strong clusters in many areas, such as financial services and medical devices, and these are a mix of indigenous and multinational companies working together. This has given us a competitive edge. Therefore, I refute the notion that we are some sort of enclave. Equally, many Irish people are now in key leadership positions within global companies. Our strategy is not some sort of oasis in the middle of an ocean, but is embedded. I accept we need to make it more embedded and that we need better linkages on all fronts.

On the question of bonuses and the performance of the different offices, the IDA operates the most stringent performance tests for its people. It works individuals hard and has bright and enthusiastic people working on Ireland's behalf overseas, who work to the highest standards. It is not a question of giving them bonuses. They see their job as delivering for Ireland overseas.

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