Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am just making a general point. The Senator's point is out of context. This is not about creating a rate within Ireland; it is about creating something that will bring extra jobs into the Irish economy.It is about creating something that would bring additional jobs into the economy. It is a particular measure. It may not even be a long-term measure. I disagree with Senator Higgins's general point about the trickle-down effect in the context of what we are looking at here. It is not an ideological issue; it is about looking at the world landscape and the fact that we have a large multinational sector and asking what we can do to ensure that we retain what we have, encourage people to come back or encourage others to come who have a relevant area of expertise. Over time, I would like us to develop in two areas. The first is our own multinational sector that goes abroad. That is evident with some companies in Limerick. I do not want to mention the names, but many of them are now becoming the modern multinationals. Second, I want entrepreneurs to come to Ireland. We are seeing it in the university sector. The key point is that it is about finding practical measures that will benefit Ireland Inc, provide extra jobs and bring in additional taxes. The issue Senator Higgins is talking about should be seen in the round, not specifically in terms of the impact in one area.