Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I took the Minister's place and took a photograph but the IASE still wants to have a photograph taken with her later. I raise this issue because those involved are among those who are sometimes left behind when jobs are created. We must find a way to address this issue.

Another area on which we must concentrate is foreign direct investment. I am pleased to note the Minister is not losing sight of this issue. I know the chairman and chief executive of Coca Cola which recently announced it plans to open a plant in County Wexford. While the company has a choice of locations in which to do business, its chairman informed me that it chooses Ireland because everything being done here makes this country a more attractive location. The continuation of this type of investment is not guaranteed because Ireland is in fierce competition for investment with other countries. I do not have the figures to hand but I noted that the Financial Times last week published a list of the most open and attractive countries in which to locate for businesses. I understand Ireland was ranked in fourth place on the list.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin stated today that she intends to ask newspapers to publish only good news from now on. There is a danger we will talk ourselves into depression. Great opportunities are available. Some people succeed in bad times while others fail in good times. With the support of the Minister we can make this country work, as we did in 1987 through a series of initiatives, one of which was to identify the sunrise industries of the future. From 1987 through to the mid-1990s, the sunrise industries were pharmaceuticals, software and information technology. While I am not certain what the sunrise industries of today are, entrepreneurs will find them if we open the door for them.

I welcome the steps being taken by the Minister and the amalgamation of the organisations covered by the Bill. Firm commitment is needed and the Minister's assistance is required to ensure Ireland is a competitive and attractive place in which to set up business.