Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Immediate success can be had by IDA Ireland in respect of smaller companies. However, in the case of substantial job announcements, where the company in question is seeking a very deep labour pool, there is, of necessity, a certain restriction in terms of the regions that can offer a good fit. More recently IDA Ireland's focus has been less on the blue chip companies and more on emerging businesses which are more regionally footloose. It has had success in establishing such projects in regions outside of the core population centres. That approach is working well.

It is essential that we have a regional network whereby the agencies can work closely with local authorities and the other players which provide the property solutions and so on. They must be able to work with educational institutions on research and development, for instance, and on identifying the needs of particular companies. It is essential, whether for importing indigenous companies or IDA Ireland companies, that there be a support network which facilitates that level of intelligence.

The Deputy is correct that there has been a growing focus within IDA Ireland on winning business overseas rather than concentrating on particular regions. Traditionally, advance factories were the big selling point for the agencies, but that is no longer what companies are seeking. Requirements are changing and IDA Ireland is evolving to meet them.

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