Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our negotiating position was closely co-ordinated with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland as we developed these proposals in order to make sure we protected the capacity of the IDA to promote regional development. The categories for large enterprises include new economic activity, new products and new process innovation. It is a broad range of areas where we can continue to support large companies. We have always had considerable support for small and medium-sized enterprises in those regions, which are at higher rates of 20% and 30%. The rates are unchanged.

With regard to the IDA targets, it is part of the five-year plan of the IDA. This is a difficult target in light of the projects we are winning. We are seeking to diversify the instruments the IDA uses, which is why we have been keen to promote ConnectIreland, which is a new instrument seeking to use connectors. It has a better regional spread. We are also looking to encourage emerging companies that may not have the same----

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