Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Since becoming Minister,I have met and had discussions with the chairmen, chief executives and senior executives in key companies, both indigenous and foreign direct investors, across a range of sectors. Many of the companies involved already have substantial and valuable activities in Ireland while others are considering major investments here for the first time.

On 17 and 18 March last, accompanied by the CEOs of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, I travelled to Germany and undertook a business programme in Berlin, Dusseldorf and Cologne. Part of that programme involved meeting with senior German executives of existing and target client companies of the IDA. During April, on trade missions to India , Saudi and London, I met senior executives from a wide range of multinational companies and had the opportunity to outline the recent positive developments in the Irish economy and the attractions of doing business with us

It is my intention to travel to the United States next month in the company of senior officials from my Department and the IDA to meet with CEOs and senior executives of companies located on the west coast. These meetings will provide me with an opportunity to speak directly to senior executives of companies about Ireland as a location for investment and will include existing and target companies. They will also allow me to hear, at first hand, the issues which industry considers important if Ireland is to retain this standing, and I continue to work with my Government colleagues to address these issues in a positive fashion.

I am confident that support from myself and Government colleagues will bolster ongoing contacts between the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development with a wide variety of potential investors and lead to the creation of a pipeline of new business and the creation of high quality jobs.

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