asked the Minister for Labour if in respect of his recent trip to the US, he will state the bodies that he met; the subject matters for discussion; and the benefits that will accrue for Ireland as a result.

During my visit to the US I met with representatives of nine commercial corporations. I discussed the possibility of their investment in Ireland and it is not possible at this stage to state what benefits will accrue for Ireland as a result.

Can the Minister give us any indication what potential job numbers might be as a result of these visits if the IDA are not at present negotiating with any of these corporations?

No, it is not possible to give that.

In other words, the trip was valueless.

Have any of these nine companies with whom the Minister had discussions any factories in Ireland already?

No.

Could the Minister tell us the dates of those meetings?

That information is not directly available to me now but I can get it for the Deputy if he wishes.

Could the Minister indicate in what areas of work these nine companies are involved?

They are involved in high technology and related areas.

Would the Minister indicate the locations of the nine companies, the cities where they are located?

They are located on the west coast of the US.

Are they all based on the west coast?

Yes.

Whereabouts?

They are on the west coast of the US. I think that is sufficient to indicate at this time.