Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions she has had with potential investors in the past 12 months; the number of jobs created arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11678/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Over the past twelve months, I have had discussions with the Chairmen, Chief Executives and senior executives in key companies, both indigenous and foreign direct investors, across a range of sectors. Many of the companies involved already have substantial and valuable activities in Ireland while others are considering major investments here for the first time. These discussions have confirmed for me the high standing in which Ireland is viewed as a business location by leading global companies. They have also allowed me to hear, at first hand, the issues which industry considers important if Ireland is to retain this standing, and I continue to work with may Government colleagues to address these issues in a positive fashion.

It is not possible to link the number of jobs created in any one year directly with the discussions in which I have been involved. The business of FDI generation is a complex process that takes place over a period of time, and, under the Industrial Development Acts, the task of promoting Ireland as an industrial location, and of negotiating with companies on individual projects and grants, is delegated to the industrial development agencies. I am confident, however, that ongoing contacts between IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development and a wide variety of potential investors will lead to the creation of a pipeline of new business and the creation of high quality jobs for the people of this country.