Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA Ireland site visits by county to date in 2020. [44465/20]

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. 2020 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 disrupted the usual way 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.

In response to COVID-19, IDA Ireland migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities onto digital platforms and has established a suite of digital content which can be accessed by potential investors. The Agency has developed this further and has put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. The use of digital platforms by IDA staff has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients and in hosting E-Site visits with potential new investors.

The table below details the number of IDA site visits per county to end Quarter 3. These 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.