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

I understand the wish to see continued investment from new overseas firms. It is always encouraging when a multinational company decides to locate in Ireland. That is particularly the case when it is in a region for the first time. We should not, however, allow our enthusiasm for new name investors, which I assure the Deputy the IDA is working daily to attract to Ireland, to cloud the fact that the most important investors are firms already present in Ireland. As I said, that is because 70% of all new FDI in this country comes from existing IDA client companies.

Our priority is always to sustain and support investors that already have a presence here with a view to encouraging their growth and expansion. That remains the most effective means through which we can create new employment opportunities in places such as Donegal. There are already excellent companies there such as Pramerica, Abbott Ireland and others. It is important not to dismiss the great work being done by them in creating employment in Donegal. We also have, of course, indigenous companies there which are also supported by Enterprise Ireland. They also play an important role in creating employment throughout the country.

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