James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to entice foreign direct investment to the south eastern region especially County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46710/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As part of its current strategy, IDA Ireland is targeting an increase of foreign direct investment in the South East region of 30% to 40% by 2019. The Agency remains committed to achieving this goal.

The IDA's staff continue to draw the attention of potential investors - including those already located in Ireland and companies considering situating here - to the region's particular strengths. These include the South East's accessibility, its ports and its existing cluster of medical technology firms. Like other parts of Ireland, the region's talented and flexible workforce is another significant selling point. In addition to seeking out new investment for the area, the Agency is also working closely with its existing clients in the South East to help strengthen and potentially grow their respective workforces there.

While more remains to be done in Wexford, the County has seen steady improvement in the terms of employment. For example, IDA client company job numbers there increased by 6% between 2015 and 2016.  Moreover, since 2009 there has been a 22% increase in the total number employed in IDA companies in the County. As it currently stands, there are 17 IDA Ireland clients based in Wexford, employing over 2,600 people. We want to see these numbers increase further and I will be working with the IDA in the time ahead to help grow FDI in the County and the surrounding area.