Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader invite the Taoiseach to the House to outline the discussions he had with Tim Cook, the boss of Apple, in San Francisco? The situation relating to the proposed €850 million data centre for Athenry is very serious. The project has overcome many planning difficulties in the past two years. The last of these were cleared in the High Court last week. The project should be going to tender at this point. I recognise the contribution Apple has made to the Irish economy, with 5,000 jobs in Cork and 1,000 new jobs expected. Let us be clear that Tim Cook and Apple have been good friends to Ireland, but Ireland has also been a good friend - from a taxation perspective - to Apple. The company should bear that in mind when making its decision. The Taoiseach said that consideration is being given to what it is going to be done in respect of this project. In the words of Pete St. John, "Low lie the fields of Athenry". It will be a very low day for Athenry if this project does not go ahead.