Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The national spatial strategy is being redrawn and it would be important for the IDA to take an active role in this review of strategy. We believe that some areas are suffering from a lack of investment. Investment follows the national spatial strategy. The strategy has a role in creating an environment for job creation and it is important that the IDA is involved in that process.The previous strategy did not deal with certain areas and I am aware that the Dublin region was omitted from it. That was a mistake. I hope this will be re-examined in the future strategy.

I thank Mr. Ryan and Mr. O'Leary for engaging with members. On behalf of the committee, I wish Mr. Ryan success in his role as chairperson. We look forward to keeping in touch with him on a regular basis and that he will engage with us in the future.

The secretariat will inform the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton that the committee has concluded its engagement with Mr. Ryan on his proposed appointment as chairperson of the Industrial Development Authority.