Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue is not all about site visits. While site visits are important, it is also important to nurture the existing companies in this country. I advise the Deputy to look at the number of jobs that have been created by IDA Ireland. I commend the work the agency has done in this area. At least 70% of all new jobs come from existing foreign direct investment companies in this country that want to expand their global reach and change their systems of production. That is extremely important. I see this for myself as I travel around the country. Many new job announcements involve existing companies. It is important that IDA Ireland sites are available around the country to offer a choice to foreign direct investment companies that are looking to locate here. It is ultimately a matter for each company to decide where it wants to locate. The availability of sites is important. It is important for us to have advance companies as well. That is the reason for IDA Ireland's building programme. Thirteen of IDA Ireland's 30 properties around the country are occupied and the other 17 are available.

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