Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2016
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that this country remains an attractive location for foreign direct investment, competitive with all other EU countries and outside the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39315/16]
View answer262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which foreign direct investment, FDI, continues to create jobs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39318/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 262 together.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains a vital contributor to Ireland’s economic development and growth. The role it plays in sustaining employment in Ireland is well-documented: approximately one out of every five private sector jobs here directly or indirectly results from FDI. Multinational companies also, of course, contribute to our economy in other ways, whether through the taxation generated for Government revenue or their support for research and innovation.
There is no denying that the global FDI market is increasingly competitive and that Ireland must fight hard to win each and every new investment. I am confident, however, that our offering to prospective investors remains attractive. Our selling points include our pro-enterprise business environment, competitive economy, first-class workforce and proven track record as a home to global businesses. Our continued membership of the Eurozone and European Union is also a significant positive, particularly in light of Brexit. The Government will continue to work hard to reinforce these strengths while also taking steps to address any areas where we need to improve.
