Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2015
26. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the appropriateness of Industrial Development Agency Ireland's direct intervention in the upcoming same-sex marriage referendum, by advocating a "Yes" vote; if he had discussions of any kind with the agency regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18400/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAttracting Foreign Direct Investment is a key element of the Government’s enterprise strategy. Ireland is currently enjoying a strong period of growth and almost 175,000 people are now employed at IDA Ireland client companies, the highest number on record.
These companies export over €124bn a year, procure 22.4bn in Irish goods and services, €8.5bn of which relates to payroll/salaries. IDA Ireland’s core mandate is to see this huge economic contribution expand further for the benefit of all the citizens of Ireland.
In that context, IDA Ireland has a central role in the business and economic life of Ireland and in furthering the goals of creating long-term, sustainable employment for the citizens of Ireland.
As a result IDA Ireland is asked regularly, often in public, to give its views on topical business issues linked to FDI, particularly those bearing directly on employment, the sourcing of talent and more broadly, Ireland’s international brand image.
In that context, IDA has commented over many years on a wide range of issues, including Irish and international economic performance, taxation, property, competitiveness, International and European relations, educational issues, talent attraction and issues relating to infrastructure and utilities.
The IDA Ireland Chief Executive Officer Martin Shanahan conducted a recent business interview with The Irish Times and during that interview, covering a range of topics, was asked about the marriage equality referendum and views expressed on this subject in public by IDA’s client companies.
As made clear by the CEO in this lengthy interview, IDA Ireland has not campaigned on the marriage equality referendum and is an ‘apolitical’ organisation. However in the context outlined above, the CEO of IDA Ireland felt it appropriate to respond to the questions asked on the likely repercussions internationally and in a business sense of a No vote and equally on the likely repercussions of a Yes vote.
IDA Ireland has not devoted any public financial resources to the referendum campaign and no discussions were held between IDA Ireland and my Department on this issue.
As the Deputy will be aware, promoting a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum on 22nd May is Government policy. We firmly believe that this is a matter of equality, and that we should all have the right to marry the person we love, and we are attempting to convince the people of that case in advance of the vote.
Clearly there is a prohibition on the use of public funds to promote a particular outcome in a referendum and there are systems in place to ensure that this is adhered to.
I strongly believe that a Yes vote on 22nd May would be good for Ireland. I will be strongly making that case on the doorsteps and in the media between now and 22nd May.
