John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the concerns of Deputy Deasy. I will bring them directly to the Minister, Deputy Bruton. As Barry O'Leary could testify, it is very hard to influence foreign companies that have the potential to invest in Ireland. They tend to be driven by their own factors when they decide to go to Dublin, Galway or Cork. Although we can avail of major benefits in the BMW region, we are encountering the same difficulties as the south-east region, which have been highlighted by Deputy Deasy. Although the substantial benefits that are available in the BMW region are not available in Dublin or Cork, companies are continuing to choose to go to those cities. That is a fact. They are still going to Dublin or Cork even though they are not getting the same benefits, in terms of employee entitlements, that they would get if they went to the BMW region. The point is well made. We are fortunate that IDA Ireland has had a very successful period with regard to foreign direct investment. Obviously, we all wish there was a greater regional spread. As a representative of a Border constituency, I appreciate what Deputy Deasy is saying. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Bruton, will take on board the Deputy's concerns and fight to ensure the regions become more attractive to foreign direct investment. I remind the House that some very good investments in the south-east region have been made by indigenous Irish companies with support from Enterprise Ireland. We are all focusing on the creation of jobs. The jobs plan that will be announced in the coming weeks will have a clear focus on what we can do to facilitate the creation of jobs in the economy.

See this speech in context