Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome St. Michael's National School from Castlepollard in Westmeath to Seanad Éireann. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Burke. As is the tradition in Seanad Éireann when we have a visiting school, there is no homework for the rest of the week.

I welcome the students and their teachers to the Chamber. I hope they have a very enjoyable day and I am delighted the Cathaoirleach gave homework off for this week.

This morning, I welcome the brilliant news and announcement by Boston Scientific of the €75 million investment in research and development expansion in Galway city yesterday. It is fantastic news for Galway and for the west that, at a time of global uncertainty, Boston Scientific is once again investing in Galway and Ireland. As Members will be aware, the company has three bases in Ireland - Galway, Clonmel and Cork - employing over 7,000 people, with over 4,500 of those based in Galway. It is a hugely significant employer for our city and region. Of course, there is also a significant indirect impact for local businesses supplying its bases, which is a huge boost for SMEs across Galway and no doubt in Clonmel and Cork. Boston Scientific has been in Ireland for over 30 years and manufactures over 30 million devices here each year for patents worldwide. This latest investment follows significant investments in recent years, including €100 million in expanding Galway's manufacturing capacity in 2022 and another €80 million at the Clonmel plant in 2023. These investments reflect significant confidence from Boston Scientific in the talent available in Ireland, which is very welcome. From a Galway perspective, it has been known as a great employer for decades and people I have spoken to over the years who work or have worked there have very positive opinions on Boston Scientific itself. With a workforce of over 4,500, it is hugely significant for our city and region. It has gone from strength to strength in recent decades, and long may that continue.