I welcome the continuing fall in the unemployment figures. I also welcome the substantial and packed programme of the Taoiseach today relating to economic promotion in Germany. It is so important for the country. For example, he will be addressing 2,000 leading German business people and he is taking part in a separate trade and investment event. I believe all this activity, together with the other items on his agenda today, including a meeting with Angela Merkel, will further enhance our existing strong trade links.

I am proud of the fact that in my part of Ireland we have the great German firm - we have had it since 1958 - Liebherr Ireland Limited, where 700 people are employed. Separately, there are three hotels with over 200 people further employed, namely, the Europe, Dunloe and Ard na Sidhe hotels.

What about the Aghadoe Heights Hotel?

That is a lovely hotel as well but I am referring to the German-owned hotels and the strong trade links that exist. I have witnessed this myself having met people who come from Germany to visit Liebherr Ireland Limited and who are doing business with the company from all over the world. What the Taoiseach has done today is of tremendous value and importance and I greatly welcome it.