Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 7, line 29, after “brand” to insert “, social and cultural importance”.

I have chosen to include this amendment because in conjunction with having regard to the expertise, brand and historic success of the eligible company, the social and cultural importance of the company should be taken into account. In doing this, I am thinking about a brand such as Sudocrem. We all recall the furore when Madonna was photographed in her bathroom. It is an odd place to take a photograph, but there you go, and in the background there was a little tub of Sudocrem, a very iconic brand, which we now know is destined to leave these shores. Notwithstanding that, it might be that this is covered by the use of the word "brand" and perhaps the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, will be able to advise me in that regard, but many classic Irish brands are not just a brand; they have a cultural and social significance. I want to hear the Minister of State's views on the matter. It could be that the word "brand" encompasses what I am trying to achieve in any event, but I would welcome confirmation from him if that is the case.

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