Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 243: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of proposed trade missions she along with the agencies within her remit are or have planned for the next two years; the consideration she is giving to the constitution of such missions; if invitations will be given to persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21244/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Kildare, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

The Minister of the day receives invitations on occasion from Enterprise Ireland to partake in trade missions abroad in order to promote Irish exports. The Minister is also invited to accompany IDA on itineraries abroad to assist in marketing Ireland as a location for new and expansion investments. These visits are usually focused on specific sectors.

Should a company express an interest in investing in Ireland it is ultimately their decision regarding where to visit and/or locate. However, IDA Ireland will assist all prospective investors with a range of incentives and supports, including finding the most appropriate property solution. Should a potential investor decide to visit a specific area there may be a role for the local County Manager to assist IDA in its marketing effort by also outlining the supports available from the local authority.