Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1659. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the feedback received from IDA Ireland in relation to the potential impact of the policies of the new US Government on existing and future US multinational investment; if any of the existing companies have cancelled investment plans or curtailed investment plans since 8 November 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1444/17]

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 total overseas investment. Approximately 140,000 people in Ireland are also directly employed by US companies.

As regards the policies of the new US administration, we are still waiting to see what may be introduced. I have also been advised that IDA Ireland is not aware of the cancellation or curtailment of investment plans by any of its existing clients since 8 November.

I am confident, regardless of what may lay ahead, that US companies will still require a global presence and Ireland will continue to position itself as the number one location from which American firms can internationalise their business. I believe as well that US companies will continue to be drawn here by our talented workforce, membership of the EU and access to the EU single market, track record as a home to FDI and our transparent and competitive tax regime.