Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she was able to generate interest in the US towards job creation here during her recent visit to the US; if she had discussions in relation to the proposed changes in tax laws regarding foreign investment by US companies here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19976/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I visited the West Coast of the United States for five days in April on a marketing programme organised by IDA Ireland. Immediately following that visit, senior officials of my Department and I visited Washington where we held discussions with the Obama administration.

The IDA sponsored programme involved meeting Chairpersons, CEOs and other senior executives of leading companies in the Globally Traded Business, Clean Technology and Information & Communications Technology sectors.

While no specific commitments were made in regard to new investment projects during my visit, I am not surprised at this as most major FDI projects can involve a lengthy evaluation and decision making process. It is often the case following such visits that a considerable number of meetings and discussions will take place between the company and IDA Ireland before the company makes a final decision on location.

However, I am optimistic that new investments and jobs will follow in time, particularly given the positive views expressed to me about Ireland and the high standing in which Ireland is viewed as a business location by leading global companies.

While my visit to Washington was in April, prior to the U.S. Administration's announcement of its proposals to reform its tax code, I did raise taxation issues in my meetings with the Obama Administration. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Taoiseach raised similar concerns on their recent visits to Washington D.C. This is part of an ongoing dialogue we will continue with the U.S. Administration as these tax change proposals evolve.