Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being present earlier. I welcome the witnesses and have a number of quick questions.

I am looking at the breakdown by region for 2011 and as a Deputy for Limerick city, I am interested in the figures for the mid-west. Some 507 jobs were created, while 590 were lost, giving a net loss of 83. Is there a policy on regional distribution in job creation? Will Mr. Ryan give me the breakdown for the mid-west in 2012, between the total number employed which I understand was 12,900 at the end of 2011, the gains and losses and the net change. Furthermore, will he give me an indication of the projections for the mid-west for 2013? Obviously, as a Deputy for Limerick city, I am very conscious of the need to create further jobs and would like to receive an overview of Enterprise Ireland's strategy to create jobs in the city and mid-west region?