Vol. 428 No. 1
126 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has taken any measures at EC level or in the context of the GATT to discourage the relocation of EC based investment to south-east Asia or a similar location while such firms still retain full access to EC markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The EC maintains a full range of measures in the commercial policy area which in the case of unfair trade may be invoked by the Commission.
The question of measures to discourage the relocation of EC based investment to south-east Asia, or to similar locations, does not arise in the context of the GATT and the matter is not covered in the topics under discussion in the current Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations.
Conditions for investment in the EC are excellent as evidenced by the substantial inward flows in recent years. It is a continuing preoccupation of the Government at EC level to maintain and develop the attractiveness of Ireland in particular as a location for investment. This goal is pursued in all formations of the Council of Ministers where matters impinging on investment promotion arise.
