The Tanaiste defended the role of the IDA when answering opposition questions on the Seagate closure. Ms Harney said that 20-20 vision was great in politics and hindsight was always very useful. "I do not believe that people got it wrong. This was a blue-chip company at the cutting edge of the industry and one of the world leaders."
Mr Pat Rabbitte (DL, Dublin South West) said that the IDA should be asked to evaluate its track record to see what lessons could be learned.
Ms Harney said that the IDA grant to the company would be repaid in full. She had asked the company to give the temporary workers severance pay.
Asked by Mr Hugh Coveney (FG, Cork South Central) if the company's Cork project, which was expected to provide more than 1,000 jobs, would go ahead, Ms Harney said that when she had been assured that it would by Seagate, she had laughed.
"I said to them if you think I can go to the Government and recommend grant-aid for a new facility in Cork after this disaster, I would find it very difficult," she added.
However, it would be irresponsible of her to close the door completely. But given the Government's unprecedented experience with the company it would have to take its track record into account. "Given that track record, I would personally be very reluctant to recommend to the Government that we proceed with Cork unless things change very dramatically."
The IDA had come to the same conclusion. There was now a credibility issue for the company, she said.