John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 2013 budget contained an effective plan for the domestic economy and I am confident the action plan for 2014 will reflect the policy of entrepreneurship and the policy to encourage women in business.

We are becoming more competitive. It is not just the 12.5% rate of corporation tax that attracts foreign direct investment. Companies come here because they get highly motivated, highly intelligent people who are capable of doing the job.

I refer to the recent announcements by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, with regard to job creation and foreign direct investment. For every large company there are many small companies. The Government is focusing on the 200,000 companies in the domestic economy employing up to 700,000 people. The Minister is focusing on creating confidence and credit and encouraging positivity among employers. It is important to give support to employers. I meet company representatives and I know that many employers are very positive. They are confident about the future of Ireland and the jobs that can be created.

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