Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the economy continues to be attractive to encourage foreign inward investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Recent IDA Ireland data show that 2007 was another positive year with regard to new investment projects coming to Ireland. The data also show that many of the new jobs were in highly skilled, high paying areas. Based on a healthy pipeline of prospective new projects, the IDA is confident that Ireland is well placed to secure considerable investment during 2008, from key target sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, International Services, Information and Communications Technology, Financial Services and Digital Media.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location for inward foreign direct investment and policies are in place to achieve this. Our burden of tax is low, and we have demonstrated that we pursue sensible budgetary policies. Our workforce is highly skilled and flexible. Infrastructural development has been prioritised. These key policy orientations equip Ireland with the skills, infrastructure, facilities and overall operating environment that will allow us to compete effectively for projects at the upper end of the high skill/high wage spectrum, which is where our competitive advantage now lies.