Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

IDA Ireland cannot direct companies to go to a particular place. It competes in a very competitive global market. To get some of those companies to come to Ireland is quite an achievement. IDA Ireland is focused on the regions and is doing its utmost to increase regional investment. The goal is to increase investment in every region by 2019 by 30% to 40%.

For example, Northern Trust was expanding its operations in Limerick last year, creating 500 new jobs. Many new investments are from existing IDA Ireland clients. It is not all about site visits. It is about supporting existing clients to increase employment. That is the case as it stands. It is doing everything. I am from a rural area and will focus on the regions.

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