Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
580. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she continues to be reassured regarding the protection of jobs arising from foreign direct investment in the country, particularly in counties Sligo and Leitrim, notwithstanding European, United States and global political issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14988/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra581. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she can expect to be in a position to continue to attract foreign direct investment in the country, particularly in counties Sligo and Leitrim, notwithstanding the geopolitical situations now arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14989/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.
It is important to remember that companies choose to invest in Ireland for many reasons. Notwithstanding worldwide geopolitical challenges, the European market remains amongst the largest and richest in the world.
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, with approximately one out of every five private sector jobs here directly or indirectly resulting from FDI. Last year saw the highest ever level of employment in IDA Ireland client companies, with 199,877 people now employed in companies supported by the Agency, including 2,703 jobs across 27 IDA Ireland client companies in Sligo and Leitrim.
The wider strategy for increasing employment in the North West region, which includes Sligo and Leitrim, is the Regional Action Plan for the North East/North West. This plan aims to support the creation of 28,000 new jobs across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth by 2020. I am pleased that there has been strong progress made to date towards that objective, with 5,600 more people in employment across the region since the start of 2015.
