Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the State agencies under its aegis, in promoting Ireland's economic interests overseas. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I attach the highest priority to using our network of embassies to further the Government's economic objectives, including attracting inward foreign investment.

Our embassy in Washington and consulates in the United States work closely with the IDA in facilitating high level contacts and providing information on the extensive supports available to companies interested in investing in Ireland. The IDA and the Irish Consulate in New York share a premises in Ireland House with other State agencies, thereby ensuring close collaboration in their efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

Every opportunity is used, including high-level visits and bilateral meetings, to raise and advance Ireland's economic interests in the United States. In my recent visit I addressed business leaders at a luncheon in New York, where I met clients of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. I also met individual Irish companies which do business in the United States, and senior figures in the financial services sector.

In all my contacts, I underlined the benefits of investing and doing business in Ireland. I also drew attention to the increase in Irish investment in the United States and the development of the mutually beneficial economic relationship which this implies. My key message was that Ireland is, and remains, an attractive location for high-end, skill-intensive investment.

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