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

I have no doubt the IDA will look at the transcripts of this discussion and note the points the Deputy has made very persuasively, as Deputies from every county also have. I reassure the Deputy the regional focus is a very important one for the IDA. It is a very serious one. The job creation that is happening outside Dublin is testament to that, with over 52% of jobs that have been created being outside Dublin. I reassure the Deputy the IDA engages regularly with the local authority in Laois and with those in Longford, Westmeath and Offaly. There is more work to be done. We are supporting IDA and its staff to continue the very intensive focus on job creation and meeting new companies. I have already met quite a number of companies that are showing a huge interest in investing in Ireland. Every effort will be made to ensure the kind of investment we have seen in the past few years will be continued.

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