Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 6

Written Answers. - Multinational Corporations' Investment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the success, if any, he has had to date at EC level in attracting multinational corporations to invest in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

At the present time there are over 1,000 overseas companies operating in Ireland and of these about 50 per cent are from European Community countries. In 1992 about 60 per cent of new projects approved by the IDA were of European origin.

While the attraction of direct foreign investment into Ireland is primarily a matter for the IDA, I can assist their efforts through promotional visits, helping to gain access to senior management in target companies. I will give the IDA all the help I can in this regard and European promotional visits are scheduled later this year.