Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 4 together.

As announced previously, my Department will soon be commissioning an independent review of the Succeed in Ireland programme. That review, which will be carried out after details of the initiative’s full and final costs are available, will equip us with a thorough understanding of the programme’s results and its contribution to employment generation in the State. This is in the interests of good governance and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

The Deputy knows that on 20 April, my Department launched a public consultation calling for observations on the draft terms of reference for that review. The consultation period ended on 26 May. We received 17 different submissions that are now being examined. The responses we received came from a broad range of stakeholders, including public representatives and the public. Many of the submissions provided general observations on the Succeed in Ireland initiative and its perceived strengths. Others provided specific observations on the draft terms of references themselves. They will all guide us in the approach ahead. There has been no delay in finalising the terms of reference. We are completing the examination of all the responses to the public consultation, which will help, as I have indicated, to shape the final text.

I acknowledge that the Succeed in Ireland initiative has contributed to the Government’s ongoing efforts to win more foreign direct investment, FDI, and jobs for the people of this country. Securing more FDI will remain a key priority of mine as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. I look forward to working with agencies to attract more overseas investment and employment to Ireland. We are all committed to that goal.

I hope what has arisen between IDA Ireland and ConnectIreland can see a resolution as soon as possible. I will make any efforts I can in that regard. There have been some legal efforts and I hope they will come to a conclusion and we will be able to go ahead with the review.

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