Ms Julie Sinnamon:

The trade mission event last week was an experiment last year. This year we had 150 Irish companies and 85 multinationals at four locations. It has changed from being a polite conversation. There was a strong view from the multinationals that this event was good for them. They were not just turning up but were strongly of the view that sourcing good quality innovative products and services locally was good for them. There was a really strong turnout from some multinationals.

The one thing we can see from the event this year compared to last year is that it is becoming more mainstream between the two agencies in that as new foreign direct investment potential clients come into Ireland, they meet Irish companies from day one on site visits, etc., and there is a specific target between the two agencies. The feedback from some of the participants who were at last year's event was that it has resulted in business and that there was a much stronger traction this year. I will ask Mr. Kevin Sherry to talk about resourcing overseas and the switch between high-growth markets and the UK.