Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The Government has given a commitment on job creation. I have received a 25% increase in the allocation for the capital programme for the enterprise agencies up to 2016. I know the Deputy does not mean it when he argues we should throw 100 jobs at a particular region. The IDA is targeting high potential growth markets such as China and Brazil. I will visit Brazil and the Middle East on trade missions. The Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, visited Russia and all the Ministers of State in the Department will take part in trade missions to assist Enterprise Ireland.

Another important advance has been the decision to make our embassies economic entities. This will ensure they become a focal point for all the agencies and individuals working on behalf of Ireland incorporated in the relevant countries. We already have two people in Brazil making sure contacts are made and interacting with Irish people and the embassy. We also have an outstanding system in place in China and we are building our strengths in India and the Middle East. If further resources are needed to increase exports and interaction between Irish companies and firms in the countries in question, they will be provided.

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