I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 23, 37 and 56 together.
The matters raised by the Deputies relate to the day to day responsibilities of IDA Ireland and are not ones in which I have a direct function. In any event, contacts between IDA Ireland and the promoters of potential projects are conducted on a confidential basis and, as such, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the details of the incentive package proposed in the case of the companies mentioned.
The Deputies will appreciate that there is intense competition from other industrial development agencies for overseas mobile investment projects. Notwithstanding this, IDA Ireland has been extremely successful in attracting new projects, particularly in the electronics sector. In deciding on an incentive package to attract projects, IDA has regard to the incentives on offer from competing countries. It must also, of course, have regard to the balance between the cost of securing the project and the benefits that will accrue from it to the country.
In the final analysis, decisions as to where to locate overseas manufacturing operations rest ultimately with the owners of companies themselves and are beyond the control of the IDA.