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

We should acknowledge that the work IDA Ireland has done in recent years to attract foreign direct investment has been very impressive. The results can be seen and there is a pipeline of very good projects in companies which want to invest in Ireland, some of which I have already met. It is unfortunate that a dispute has arisen. IDA Ireland received clear advice about appearing before the committee and that, until there was a legal resolution, its representatives would not be in a position to do so. They are happy to talk to the committee generally about their programmes, however.

I discussed the terms of reference for the review and the Deputy made available various statistics. We have to look at what the precise figures are and to look at the costs and I agree with Deputy Collins about the need for an independent review. That is the intention. I hope that, possibly through arbitration, we can come to a resolution that is satisfactory to both sides.

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