Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 8

Written Answers. - Investment in Irish Economy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to incentives currently available to potential investors in other EC countries; his views on whether Ireland is capable of competing as an investment base; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has taken up, or intends to take up, with his EC colleagues the matter of promotion within Europe of this country as an investment location, in view of Ireland's high unemployment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.

Information on the incentives available to potential investors in EC countries is contained in the EC Commission's Third Survey on State Aids.

I believe that Ireland is capable of competing with other countries as an investment base but, as indicated in the Culliton report, the grant-aid budget for internationally mobile industry could be squeezed further if there were more effective restrictions on State aids for industry in the more developed member states.

I shall be strenuously advocating this to my EC colleagues on every possible occasion.