Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The IDA is probably the best FDI promotion agency in the world. It is certainly in the top two. We have a competitive advantage in doing that. The development of Dublin will be crucial in continuing to attract FDI. If, in due course, Dublin city has an elected major there will be a role for him or her to develop it as the sort of city that is attractive to foreign investment. Increasingly, in particular in ICT, there is a much broader mix of elements. Talent and investment, as well as the cultural environment and support structure of the city, are important tools. There is a distinction between marketing Ireland internationally as a location for FDI and a city like Dublin aligning its resources to maximise its capacity to attract good international investment. We are trying to forge distinct roles in regional strategy.