Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
270. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE staff by job title currently working in IDA offices in Sao Paulo, Austin and Shanghai, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Direct Investment is a key element of Ireland's economic strategy, with investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generating highly skilled jobs nationwide. A total of 323 investments were secured by IDA during 2025, representing a 38% increase on the previous year, and which are expected to deliver over 15,300 new jobs in the coming years.
Employment and economic impact of IDA clients on Irish economy and society remains at record levels. IDA client employment increased by 1.5% to 312,400 in 2025, which is line with national employment growth and holds share of total national employment at 11%.
Ireland continues to remain attractive to new investors with 78 of the 323 investments coming from companies new to Ireland. IDA’s 2025-29 strategy also emphasises partnering with companies to strengthen long term investment, and the efficacy if this approach is reflected in the 68 expansions from existing client companies in 2025.
This strong FDI performance in 2025 reflects Ireland’s continued competitiveness on the world stage. IDA operates a network of offices across the globe engaging with a diverse range of sectors including technology, life sciences, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.
Currently, IDA Ireland has offices in 25 overseas locations, covering 55 countries, and the agency continuously reviews its strategic approach to winning investment for Ireland.
The table below outlines the number of WTE staff, by job title based in IDA offices located in Sao Paulo, Austin and Shanghai as of 23rd June 2026.
|
|
Sao Paulo |
Austin |
Shanghai |
|
Country Manager |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sales & Marketing Executive |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Market and Research Analyst |
|
|
1 |
|
Office Administrator |
|
|
1 |
Working alongside IDA Ireland, my Department continues to place significant importance on promoting Ireland as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment and to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and FDI value proposition and to support strategic sectors in line with the IDA's current strategy.
