Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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281. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on Irish competitiveness and the ability to attract new and retain existing foreign direct investment employment from the United States should the US reduce its corporation tax rate in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35667/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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There is no denying that American investment is very important to Ireland’s economic well-being. The US is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) here, accounting for over 70% of the country’s FDI.Approximately 680 US corporations employ 135,000 people directly in a broad range of sectors such as information technology, biopharma, medical technology and financial services.

I recognise that changes to the US taxation regime could have an impact on the investment environment in Ireland. That is why the Government will analyse and assess any American reform proposals and will prepare accordingly for them. However, it is important to remember that US companies come to Europe and to Ireland for many reasons. A lower US corporate tax rate, for instance, would not reduce the need for American companies to have operations in Europe. Ireland remains, and will continue to remain, a very attractive location in which to invest and operate from for US businesses.

Within Europe, Ireland is seen as one of the most stable and pro-enterprise jurisdictions. We are also one of the most competitive, as evidenced by various international competitiveness rankings. The Government is determined that we retain that competitiveness going forward and will continue to take steps to address areas where we need to improve.