Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I visited the east coast and the mid-west of the United States from 1 to 7 November on a promotional programme, organised by IDA Ireland, which is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland.

The objective of this visit was twofold. My first objective was to cement relationships with US companies that have a presence in Ireland and to explore with them, in conjunction with IDA Ireland, the potential for further investment here. My second objective was to meet a number of companies that have not yet invested here and from which the IDA are hoping to attract new investment for this country. The purpose of my meeting with these companies was to support the ongoing engagement by the IDA with them.

The programme involved meeting with chairmen, chief executive officers and other senior executives of leading companies in a broad range of sectors, including life sciences and information communications technology, ICT. The feedback from these meetings confirmed to me the high standing in which Ireland is viewed as a business location by leading global companies.

They are aware of, and impressed by, the high standards of performance that are achieved by Irish management and staff within foreign-owned companies that have operations here. The meetings also underlined to me the importance of the Government's commitment to strengthen research and education capabilities, while retaining the flexibility and responsiveness of our operating environment and low tax regime.

I am optimistic that new investments and jobs will follow in time, particularly given the positive views expressed to me about Ireland and the high standing in which Ireland is viewed as a business location by leading global companies.

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