John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Mansergh raised the issue of the OECD report on the economy. I am glad that he stressed the many positive aspects of that report. There have been calls over several weeks, including one from myself, to have that issue debated and it would be important to reach it before the end of the session.

Senators Ulick Burke, Higgins and MacSharry spoke about the need for investment and jobs in the west. It has been a consistent Government policy, and especially the policy of the Tánaiste, that the regions should benefit from investment and job creation. It was also a consistent policy of the previous Government. It is a successful policy. Job creation is happening very successfully despite the downturn in the economy. The OECD has reported that we are still managing the economy well and I do not believe the Government has a case to answer in that regard.

People who invest large sums of money make hard-headed decisions and it is up to the Government to facilitate their investment in the west, but it is the case that many companies still prefer to be near the capital city, irrespective of what country it is.