Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

297. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has discussed with the Industrial Development Agency the fact that Leitrim has only had one visit from the IDA in the past three and a half years and was among nine countries that have received four or less visits from the IDA in the past three and a half years; and if he has received any assurances that these counties including County Leitrim will receive closer attention from this State agency in future months. [39475/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am determined to ensure that Ireland can continue to compete globally for foreign direct investment. In winning such investments, I am, however, mindful of the need to address the concerns that have been expressed to me by Deputies on all sides of the House about the relatively low level of site visits to certain regional locations. I have, accordingly, requested IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to work with my Department so that we can explore what further initiatives we can take to ensure we have a better approach to enterprise development in regional locations. This exercise will complement the in-depth analysis of our FDI strategy which is currently being undertaken. This analysis will take account of factors such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI, the changes to the EU’s State Aid rules that will be introduced in 2014 and our approach to regional development and will inform the formulation of an appropriate FDI strategy for the period post 2014.

Meanwhile we should not lose sight of the fact that there are 4 IDA client companies in County Leitrim employing approximately 700 people.