David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for that. I agree with what he said. In his submission, he stated 18% of all Canadian IDA Ireland clients originate in British Columbia. I agree that having feet on the ground is important. Hats off to the IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland staff in Canada and elsewhere. They are doing a marvellous job. I met them when I had the Minister of State’s role. What they do is just amazing.

The Minister of State said Canada is a massive country and that we have a presence in certain parts of it. Has he given any thought to increasing our presence in the centre of Canada, for instance, in Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan? It is a vast area. I believe the third largest city in Canada is Calgary. The Minister of State might outline our presence there. It is a long way from Toronto or Ottawa to Calgary. It is really in the centre and it is growing. From looking at the map, does the Minister of State agree we could increase our presence there? Having feet on the ground, including those of the State and its agencies, is important. Has the Department or Government given any thought to opening up offices or having a presence in the Calgary area of Canada because it is so big and doing extraordinarily well in fintech and other areas?