Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the extent of inward foreign investment is sufficient to ensure an adequate labour force to meet competitive requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4432/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The level of FDI in Ireland, relative to the size of the economy, is one of the highest in the world. Today, in Ireland, there are over 1,000 IDA supported companies employing in excess of 136,000 people. These include many of the leading companies in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Medical Technology, Financial Services, International Services, Digital Media and ICT. The challenge is to sustain, embed and grow this investment. To meet this challenge, IDA Ireland is focusing on the development of its employment base into high technology, high value added and high skill functions, including not only high-end manufacturing, but also areas such as high-end services and R&D. The proposed investments, structures and policies set out in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and National Spatial Strategy are also vital in meeting this challenge. I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by Government, together with the activities of IDA Ireland will continue to enable us to maintain the enviable position which we hold in terms of attracting foreign direct investment.