I propose to take Questions Nos. 168, 181 and 185 together.
I can inform the Deputy that IDA Ireland has expressed its sympathy with the individuals, families and US companies in Ireland who may have relatives, friends and colleagues involved in the awful events on 11 September last.
With regard to the impact on new overseas investment it is not possible at this time to predict the full effects of the recent atrocities. However, there is no doubt that new foreign direct investment, FDI, business will be adversely affected by both these events and the world economic downturn.
In order to ensure that Ireland is well placed to win overseas investment in the current climate and into the future, IDA through its network of overseas offices is increasing the number of targeted marketing visits abroad in the light of the current reluctance of many overseas companies to use aircraft; working closely with senior management in a range of overseas companies who have expressed an interest in overseas investment in an effort to ensure that they are aware of the advantages of locating in Ireland and to encourage them to arrange a site visit at an early date; continuing to build on existing contacts in companies who are in sectors targeted by IDA but who have no existing plans for overseas investment, in an effort to encourage them to consider investing in Ireland and targeting companies in niche product areas as part of an approach to develop clusters of excellence in Ireland.
In addition, in order to maximise the potential of the existing base of IDA client companies and to minimise job losses, IDA is working to ensure that they become more embedded in the Irish economy and that they are constantly moving up the value chain in terms of their Irish operation.