Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We had a good debate on this issue on Committee Stage and earlier on Report Stage. We have a difference of opinion, and such is the nature of parliamentary debate. We will not agree on the issue of the abolition of the double Irish. I made a point earlier about the countries with which we compete for foreign direct investment.

I have heard this back from those who represent Ireland seeking to attract investment. Professional firms and others have made the point that competitor countries will seek to exploit any potential weakness they see. That is my concern. I am conscious of the comments of representatives of IDA Ireland and others that this issue will not be a problem and I hope that is the case. However, I believe it is a pre-emptive move by the Government which comes with a significant level of risk. I hope the Minister's calculation is correct, but I will press the amendment.

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