Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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682. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meetings she has had with British companies that are looking to retain access to the Single Market after Brexit and are possibly looking to relocate to another member state; if none, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16768/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I engage on an ongoing basis with overseas companies - including those with operations in the UK - regarding the possibility of new or expanded investments in Ireland. IDA Ireland also continues to identify new potential sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the country, whether Brexit-related or not.

Overseas businesses are attracted to Ireland on account of a variety of different factors. Our membership of the EU, and our continuing access to the EU single market, is undoubtedly one such key factor. But it's also the case that companies are drawn here by many other reasons, including our talented workforce, excellent infrastructure, pro-enterprise policy environment and our long established track record as a successful home to global business. It's my experience that it's usually a combination of these points that ultimately helps convince overseas businesses to establish or expand here.

The Government and the IDA will continue to pursue all avenues that could lead to increased FDI in Ireland, whether the companies concerned are based in the UK, the USA or elsewhere. A key priority in the time ahead will be converting the interest shown to date by potential investors into new projects on the ground.