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

Last year, which was a very tough year, the IDA created more than 10,000 jobs. The net increase was approximately 1,750 because there were significant job losses permeating from 2009. Job losses in Dell in Limerick spilled over from 2009 into 2010. Nevertheless, there was a net increase of 1,750. The IDA has indicated clearly to my Department that it does not believe job losses will be as severe this year. Information available from the employment agencies suggests that there is significant stabilisation and growth in job advertisements this year.

I would like to correct a statement made by Deputy Bruton the last time I answered questions in the House, when he claimed that only 40% of targets contained in last year's statement were met. Of the 68 individual targets for achievement in 2009, we met or exceeded 47. We missed out on 21 targets, which represents a success rate of 70%, rather than the 40% claimed by Deputy Bruton. It is also important to point out that the targets that were exceeded or met were all in the enterprise sector.

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