Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullins spoke about the major success of the IDA in attracting companies to this country and in creating so many jobs. It is very important that 59% of the jobs created by the people who are locating in Ireland are going to the regions. Many Members of the House had complained previously that most of the jobs were going to Dublin, Cork and Galway, but they are also going to the regions and the figure verifies that fact.

Senator Leyden spoke about the Islamic Republic of Iran. We all welcome the successful negotiations on its nuclear programme. With regard to the reopening of the embassy, that is a matter for the Government and will be kept under review. However, I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Barrett called for the Minister to be invited to the House for a debate on Aer Lingus. It is regrettable that representatives of Aer Lingus will not appear before the joint committee, as the Senator mentioned, but we have held several debates on the issue. I will bring the Senator's comments to the attention of the Minister but we cannot arrange for a debate on the matter in the House this week. As the Senator knows, we have a large amount of legislation to deal with.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Cullinane spoke about the role of the Irish Government with regard to Greece. Indeed, we could ask about the role of Sinn Féin.Its emphasis now seems to be on the Greek people rather than Syriza, which is a change in its agenda and equates to moving the goalposts. Senator Cullinane also mentioned that debt restructuring and re-profiling was what was required. That is exactly what the Irish Government did and what the Minister, Deputy Noonan, suggested that the Greek Government do, and I believe it has come around to that now.