Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his response. He may have misunderstood me. I welcome that there has been a notable increase in the number of companies that have visited Waterford but are questions asked when prospective investors do not choose Waterford rather than the reason people are leaving? I can understand that macroeconomic issues can arise that impact on a company's decision to move or whatever, but in terms of the issue I raise, we have seen a huge increase in the number of IDA site visits to Waterford. However, they have not yielded any results. With the greatest respect, one can bring a horse to water but one cannot make it drink, and we need to know why they are not drinking because we need a significant investment in employment in Waterford and in the south east as a region.

There were some positives from IDA Ireland's report on Waterford, including Bausch & Lomb's investment in continued production and the loyalty that company has shown to the city over the years. Also, Genzyme is making a significant investment. Two weeks ago, I and a number of other Oireachtas Members visited GSK in Dungarvan which employs 700 people.

The companies in Waterford must be brought into the fold in terms of trade missions to allow them drum up more business for themselves and perhaps expand and secure the jobs we have already in Waterford. A vital part of the south-east task force would be to ensure those companies which are there remain.

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