Enlargement is not a threat
We already have extensive competition for such foreign direct investment from countries such as Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Swedan and the Netherlands, just to name a few. These countries have modern systems in place to entice foreign companies to set up within their respective countries. In fact, Germany, France, Italy and Britain are four of the wealthiest countries in the world.
Since 1973, we have fought against these countries to secure foreign direct investment into our county. We have succeeded over this period and we will continue to do so in an enlarged European Union.
We are very much committed to ongoing and modern improvements to our education system so as to ensure that we are competitively placed to entice more companies to set up in our country. Our highly educated and trained workforce is the principle reason why American companies in particular want to set up in Ireland.
Enlargement of the EU does not pose any real threats to us in this regard.
Sean O Neachtain MEP,
An Spidéal,
Co na Gaillimhe.
