Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It should be noted that IDA Ireland had a good year last year in bringing jobs to this country, for which it is to be commended. Foreign direct investment is critical to the recovery of the economy. Apple Computers Limited is a significant employer in my constituency. However, what I would like to focus on is not the role and value of IDA Ireland but the companies relocating here. When we hear about companies that are to relocate here, we also hear about the broad number of jobs likely to be created. However, we do not receive any follow up detail of how many of these jobs have been filled by way of internal transfers. We are lacking this information. The Minister mentioned languages as an area in which Ireland does not have the required skills set for some of the companies opting to relocate here. There is a job of work to be done in that regard, particularly by organisations such as Solas. In formulating policy in this area, if we do not have information on the number of jobs filled by way of internal transfer, how are we to grasp the skill sets we need to develop?

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