Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
34 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of new jobs announced during 2003 from new investments or expansion of IDA backed plants; the expected level of announcements during 2004; the steps being taken to promote job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23676/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland, including its regions and areas. In 2003, 32 greenfield and expansion job creation projects were announced by IDA Ireland. These projects have a projected total job content of nearly 5,600 jobs and were achieved against a background where there were fewer companies actively seeking to invest overseas and consequently less companies visiting Ireland.
It is difficult to predict the exact number of IDA supported project announcements that might be made in 2004. However, the IDA is optimistic there will be a broadly similar employment outcome in 2004vis-à-vis 2003 in respect of IDA client companies.
IDA Ireland believes vigorous pursuit of its main policy objectives is the best strategy to respond to the current challenging global environment and further increase opportunities for employment, not alone in IDA supported companies but also across the wider economy. It is important to remember that foreign direct investment can also have knock on benefits in other sectors such as supply, distribution and transport, thus creating further investment-employment opportunities for local people in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas.
I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will continue to bear fruit in terms of delivering the maximum possible level of additional jobs.
