Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

32. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her estimate of the number of jobs in the financial services sectors which could possibly be gained through financial companies relocating from the UK to Ireland; the further measures being taken to promote and encourage this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6181/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government fully recognises that financial services is an area where Ireland could see increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on account of Brexit. That is why there has already been extensive engagement at home and abroad – across both Ministerial and Agency levels – with the industry about new investment in Ireland. The European Financial Forum, which was held in Dublin on 24 January, was also a helpful and timely opportunity to remind international financial services providers about the benefits of doing business in Ireland.

Our focus now is converting the interest shown to date by new investors into new projects here.  Both the IDA and the Government will continue to work hard with that goal in mind. The IDA has also recently launched a new global communications campaign, called "Right Place, Right Time", which will help target decision-makers in key locations.

While I am confident about the potential to create new financial services related jobs in Ireland, we do need to be realistic about what is achievable. Competition for all new such investment remains intense and we should not expect tens of thousands of jobs to be created here by default.