Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is an interesting point in respect of the growth of EI and IDA Ireland offices and how important that is terms of having boots on the ground. Although more difficult in Covid times, trade missions are of great importance. What appetite is there for virtual trade missions in 2022 as well as in person missions where feasible?

The second point I wish to make relates to maximising talent and labour. We speak a lot about encouraging Irish students to go into apprenticeships and other things but it is important to also consider maximising the pool of talent arising from freedom of movement within the Single Market. What efforts are being made to consider potential workers who may be coming out of third level in France, Romania or elsewhere in the EU and have the necessary skills to be HGV drivers and so on? I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste could elaborate a little on the all-island dynamic in terms of attracting FDI and what, if any, co-operation that involves with the Northern Ireland Executive.

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