James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the amendment and I am sure that the Minister will speak to it herself. The Bill seeks to encourage innovators to take on research and innovation in this country and to create jobs. One cannot dictate to people where they can do so as it would further reduce the opportunities for people to develop new devices, ideas and information technology. The amendment is unwise but I understand why the Senator wants to ensure the regions are developed. We all want to see the same but we cannot interfere with the market to the extent that we dictate where someone should undertake research and innovation. That does not make sense. The amendment would undermine what the Bill seeks to achieve, which is to encourage more investment and innovation in this country.