Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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35. To ask the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment the number of IDA Ireland site visits by county in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37154/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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When it comes to foreign direct investment (FDI), site visits represent a valuable tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas. However, site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as a significant percentage of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.

COVID-19 has presented undeniable challenges to our ongoing efforts to sustain and grow foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland. The introduction of travel restrictions around the world is already disrupting the typical way in which the IDA engages with investors, resulting in fewer numbers of site visits and client meetings. The pandemic has also impacted investor confidence and has likely caused some investment decisions to be delayed or postponed.

As an alternative to site visits, the IDA has migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has developed new digital content and has also put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors.

The following table details the number of IDA site visits per county in each of the years 2016 to 2019, and to date in 2020. The 2020 figures capture the total visits per County taking place with potential new investors. The IDA has hosted 131 In-Person visits and 101 E-Visits to the end of Q3.