Mayo Minister of State "disgusted" by Aontú comments regarding FDI sector
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Mayo TD, Alan Dillon, has slammed Aontú for what he characterises as derogatory comments about Ireland's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) sector.
During a Dail debate, Aontú dismissed the corporate tax contributions of global companies based in Ireland as "bargain basement" and labelled the jobs they provide as merely "transitional."
Minister Dillon did not hold back, stating: "I am deeply disgusted by Aontú's continued targeting of our multinational sector.
As someone who has previously worked within the life sciences sector for large companies like AbbVie (Allergan), Baxter, and Boston Scientific, I can attest that these companies provide much more than transitional jobs.
"They offer stable, long-term employment opportunities that are integral to our economy."
The minister highlighted the significant contribution of FDI to Ireland's economic success, noting that the total number of regional jobs in IDA client companies now stands at 163,471, with 31,092 of these jobs in 128 IDA-supported companies in the West Region.
In Mayo alone, 16 companies provide a combined employment of 5,541.
"In my role as Minister of State, I will continue to support and advocate for ongoing investment in our FDI sector.
These companies play a key role in creating added value to the goods and services that underpin our modern economy," Minister Dillon emphasised.
Minister Dillon also addressed the government's response to recent US tariffs, stating, "Impact assessment across all sectoral areas including Pharma will be central to our response to the US tariffs.
We will continue our engagement with the EU and many Irish based companies that export to the US to ensure their interests are protected and supported.
The Minister also expressed concern over Aontú and fellow Mayo Deputy Paul Lawless's agenda, which he described as counterproductive and inconsistent with the economic strategy that has driven Ireland's success.
"Criticising FDI as something that is liable to move is unfounded. Companies like AbbVie (Allergan) and Baxter have established manufacturing bases here for the past 40 years, thanks to sound economic principles and the support of successive Fine Gael governments.
These companies seek stability, consistency, and a talented workforce, qualities that Ireland offers."
In addition to supporting FDI companies, the Minister underscored the importance of Mayo's strong indigenous enterprise sector.
"Thousands of Irish-grown businesses have thrived as an indirect result of our FDI. Through our Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) state agencies, we will continue to support the scaling up of Irish companies."
Minister Dillon concluded by reaffirming his commitment to attracting FDI into Mayo and progressing the development of a new IDA advanced building solution, with updates expected in the coming months.