Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Ryan and his team from Enterprise Ireland. I compliment them on the very readable annual report and on their work over the last few years in job creation. The €6.2 billion worth of exports to the UK is obviously very important. What implications can future growth in the UK have on that? What implications might an in-out referendum on Europe in the UK have on these exports?

I hope I do not see negative press commentary about 43 jobs. Jobs growth is important and we have had ongoing investment, so the fact that Galway has the third highest investment is very important. I know that the IDA had an excellent year for jobs growth in Galway. The agrifood sector consists of 53% of exports. How is the agrifood sector doing in respect of the breakthrough in China? Ireland is a lead exporter in baby formula and so on, and has that market been accessed?

The report stated that Enterprise Ireland will be part of the group to review availability of appropriate finance for international trade, and will be looking at a number of options. During the Irish Presidency, the competitive council announced a new loan facility. Has Enterprise Ireland had any soundings on how that might work? How important is the interaction between Enterprise Ireland, Forfás and the IDA? How do they complement each other?

Page 74 of the report refers to a contribution to the Exchequer of €15 million coming from the sale of investments, financial support refunds and the disposal of equipment. That is a considerable amount. Are there particular items which account for it?