Vol. 541 No. 5
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she proposes positive incentives to discourage relocation to low wage economies by overseas investors here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23476/01]
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she plans initiatives to counter the relocation to low wage economies of multinational corporations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23480/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 184 together.
There is no evidence available to my Department or the industrial development agencies of any increasing tendency for firms to relocate to lower wage economies. The reasons for relocation are many, varied and complex, and on balance this country has benefited from such movement in recent years due to the underlying strength of our economy.
In order to maximise the potential of our existing base of overseas companies and to minimise job losses, IDA Ireland is encouraging them to add strategic functions including research and development, technical support, software development, e-commerce, logistics and shared services. In this way, such firms will move up the value chain and become more embedded in the Irish economy.
