Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was about to develop the point that, presumably, one of the main reasons for this is that clusters have been created in the Dublin docklands, where Google, Facebook and other companies established their European headquarters. Subsequently, even more high-tech jobs have been created in the area in question. The Web Summit, which took place recently and which has been held here for a number of years, is very much focused on developing and improving those clusters by creating more high-tech jobs. That is my perception. I accept that jobs have also been created in Cork and Galway. However, earlier today it was announced that another high-tech company is to create 150 new jobs in the capital. Why did that company choose Dublin, which seems to be crowded with high-tech businesses? Dublin is becoming Silicon Valley, Irish style. I do not in any way begrudge the jobs in question being created in Dublin, especially as they contribute to the economy of the city and the greater Dublin area and also to the national economy. However, will the Minister indicate why an over-proportionate number of these jobs are being created in Dublin at the expense of other major centres and why smaller centres are not gaining at all?

If I am correct about the cluster effect, when he was in Drumshanbo the Minister would have visited the food hub. Over 40 people are employed by the eight companies which form this hub. The companies involved are involved in distilling, brewing and baking. In addition, there is a FETAC level 5 course relating to the hospital sector on offer at the hub and some 50% of those who graduate from it obtain employment. Can Drumshanbo use the hub, which has established itself as a centre of food excellence, to attract more jobs? This is a community-inspired concept which has already created real jobs and the indications are that it is going to create even more. Will the Minister indicate if it would be possible to attract even more companies to the hub? In the context of study visits, could IDA Ireland refocus its efforts to concentrate on companies which might be involved in activities similar to those carried out by the businesses already located at the hub? Would what I am suggesting reflect Government policy or is there an insistence the IDA Ireland should visit counties only because specific companies might be interested in establishing particular operations there? I am seeking to discover the criteria IDA Ireland applies in the context of study visits. How does it grade particular locations and what are its priorities in the context of trying to attract potential investors? Is the food hub to which I refer an advantage for Drumshanbo in this regard? Would its existence lead IDA Ireland to seek to attract suitable companies with a view to their establishing new industries there?

I do not wish to be in any way churlish or negative. I want to be as positive as possible. In the context of the Carrick-on-Shannon situation, I hope the Minister will redouble his efforts. It seems a crying shame that 160 jobs have been lost and that the skills and expertise which have been built up in Leitrim's county town over many years may also be lost for ever.