Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Investment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

97 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken to encourage US investment; the results, if any, of these efforts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22867/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

101 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken to encourage French investment; the proposals, if any, she has to enhance this country's position as an attractive investment location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22883/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

102 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken or proposes to undertake to encourage UK investment; if she has satisified herself that this country remains sufficiently attractive to UK investors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22884/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

103 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken to enhance and encourage German investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22885/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

104 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken or will undertake to enhance and encourage Italian investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22886/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

105 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the promotional activity, if any, she has undertaken to encourage investment by any of the EU member states; her views on whether this promotion is of benefit in terms of emphasising Ireland as an attractive investment location; the special incentives, if any, she will introduce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22887/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 together.

It is a statutory function of IDA Ireland under the Industrial Development Acts and section 8(a) of the 1993 Act in particular, to promote the establishment and development, in the State, of industrial undertakings from outside the State.

I refer the Deputy to the IDA Ireland annual report of 1997, copies of which are in the Dáil Library, pages 4 and 5, which set out the 1997 details of the origins of IDA supported companies and their respective employment levels.

I also refer the Deputy to the chief executive's report, pages 9 and 10, which deals with Ireland's market for foreign direct investment.

As I pointed out to the Deputy in response to questions on 3 November 1998, the changing patterns of competition for mobile international investment projects are reviewed on a regular basis. Ireland's main competitors for foreign direct investment are other countries in Europe.

Policies are being pursued to maximise the attractiveness of Ireland as a continuing desirable location for foreign and indigenous investment and to ensure that existing industry is competitive. In this context, particular emphasis with appropriate initiatives is being placed on addressing key competitiveness factors such as skills, costs, telecommunications and the information society.

In addition, the recently concluded agreement between the Government and the European Commission which safeguards Ireland's low tax regime beyond the year 2010 will contribute substantially to maintaining Ireland's competitiveness for investment moving into Europe.

As regards participation by me in promotional-activities, I have, at the request of IDA Ireland, led promotional visits to a number of overseas locations including:

Country	Date
US Canada	August 1997
US	October 1997
US	March 1998
US	June 1998
Italy	September 1998
Germany	November 1998 (scheduled)

I also avail of other opportunities presented when I travel abroad to spread the message about Ireland's competitive attractions.