Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to bring to the attention of the Seanad the wonderful announcement yesterday of the creation of the Walsh distillery. The next Baileys or Guinness has hopefully been born. A total of €25 million has been attracted, mainly in Italian investment, to build this distillery in the Royal Oak region near Leighlinbridge in Carlow, a very rural area. Forty jobs in construction have been created and 55 permanent jobs will be created. If one thinks of the tourism in Midleton one can see that this will bring a wonderful boost to the local economy, and add value to Carlow.

Most of the sales coming from the new Irishman malt will be in the form of exports. In fact, the Financial Timesthis morning has a wonderful picture celebrating the launch of the new product yesterday.

It is often observed that it is not the job of parliament to create jobs but rather to create an environment in which entrepreneurs, like Bernard Walsh, can create new employment. Enterprise Ireland has done a wonderful job in assisting Mr. Walsh in building his enterprise, providing a grant of €25,000 per job created. It is instructive to note, however, that in the case of the last five distilleries opened in Scotland, the British Government provided grant assistance of £133,000 per job. Will the Leader bring this issue to the attention of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton? I am sure colleagues will join me in welcoming this announcement as a cause for celebration. I am confident that the new Guinness or Baileys has arrived.