Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Naughton's call for investment in UHG's accident and emergency department. Its facilities are not fit for purpose. The sooner the investment is provided, the sooner those who need the services that we would all like to see for Galway and its surrounding counties will get them.

I welcome the IDA's recent announcement of a five-year Ireland strategy, which aims to attract 80,000 foreign direct investment, FDI, jobs and a 40% increase in investments. These ambitious targets will bring total direct employment by overseas companies to 209,000 people by 2019, its highest level ever. The strategy will deliver a wide range of economic benefits to the people of Ireland. The IDA aims to win 900 additional projects in the next five years. This will be based on an ability to respond to clients' needs efficiently, effectively and ahead of the competition.

We in this Chamber must applaud the IDA for its work and commend the work being done by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our embassies, which are playing a key role in getting the success story of Ireland's recovery out to the international community. During St. Patrick's week, there will be a significant opportunity for our Ministers and ambassadors to sell the country further. I hope to see more benefits being reaped during the remainder of 2015 and the coming years.