Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The explanation for that is the fact that we are either the first or second most globalised country and that the workers to whom the Deputy refers in those companies are part of global supply chains. As the Deputy pointed out, we have a high share of intellectual property investment in our country. One of the reasons for that is the focus we have had on ensuring that companies make long-term commitments to Ireland. We believe long-term commitment is facilitated and strengthened if it involves the location of manufacturing, intellectual property and a high number of jobs within our country. That has led to long-term relationships between Ireland and many large multinational companies, which has been at the core of the economic transformation we have experienced. Amid the Deputy's criticism, will he comment on the fact that we have 735 companies located in Dublin, attracted here by IDA Ireland, which employ 88,000 people? I ask the Deputy to look at the Grange Castle Business Park near his own constituency and the companies located there which employ people as a consequence of the policies to attract investment to Ireland of which the Deputy is so critical.

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