Sir, - It is very unfortunate for Clonmel and the rest of the country to lose 1,400 jobs. The Seagate closure raises questions about the way we invest taxpayers' hard-earned money in creating jobs. It is important to attract foreign investment and all its associated benefits. However, in this case we are indeed fortunate that all £16 million of grant aid is to be paid back to the IDA.
In the current economic climate we should be willing to back more Irish owned companies. There are many Irish computer manufacturers generating tax revenue without the breaks given to foreign multinationals. They could benefit from a fraction of the money invested in the Seagate Clonmel operation.
Are we doing enough to support them and many other Irish businesses? Apart from the help Government and semi-State bodies give, we the public can do our bit by buying the products and services of Irish companies. - Yours, etc.,
Colin J. Phillips
Meadowmount, Dublin 16.