Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her recent official visit to the United States; the investment or employment commitments secured during the visit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19820/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of potential investors she met within the course of her recent overseas tour to promote investment here; the number of job creating investments arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20223/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 141 together.

I recently visited the West Coast of the United States from 13th to 18th April 2009 on a marketing programme organized by IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment to Ireland.

The primary objective of my visit was to market Ireland as an ideal business location for US companies wishing to invest or increase their investment overseas. It was also an opportunity to further enhance and develop the relationships Ireland has with US companies who already operate here.

The 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 many of the companies involved already have substantial and valuable activities in Ireland, I also met with companies who are considering major investments here for the first time. The feedback from these meetings confirmed to me the high standing in which Ireland is viewed as a business location by leading global companies.

The meetings also underlined to me the importance of steps taken by Ireland to strengthen research, education capabilities and infrastructure.

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.