Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Cathaoirleach in commending Senator Flynn on her important contribution.

Overnight, the US House Judiciary Committee produced a 449-page report on the monopolistic practices of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google. While there is disagreement on what action is needed to be taken, clearly the case has been found that these companies are abusing a dominant position. They have engaged in practices that are anti-competitive and that, indeed, hobble some of their rivals. No doubt these companies have transformed our lives in many ways for the better and are significant employers, both here and internationally. I certainly do not want us to see anywhere in the world measures that will stifle innovation, research or enterprise. However, an innovative economy relies on start-ups and scale-ups that are able to operate and compete in a fair trading environment. Therefore, I would like us to have a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for enterprise, trade and employment, Deputy Varadkar, where he would present an update on what actions the Government and the European Union are taking to ensure that no technology giant can abuse its dominant position.

Technology has transformed our lives. During these disruptive times, it is allowing us to learn to work together in very different ways. I am particularly pleased that the programme for Government makes a specific commitment around the area of a remote-working policy with an emphasis on co-working spaces, especially in regional towns and rural areas. In Gorey, we are fortunate we have the Hatch Lab, which is a state-of-the-art incubator centre that has such spaces. I would like the Minister to come into the House to outline where that remote-working strategy is and how it is developing, and as part of that to ensure that IDA Ireland is asked to address its policies whereby it only tries to encourage foreign direct investment, FDI, companies to locate in cities. If we are to have serious regional development in Ireland, it is essential that IDA Ireland takes note of new remote-working practices, and in encouraging FDI companies, that it does not only bring them to our major urban centres.