John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have made progress in creating opportunities in Laois and we are determined to achieve more. Total employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Laois now stands at 1,473.

The Deputy may say that is not an awful lot but, by comparison with the figure for 2016, it is an increase of 8%. It is about 3% above the national average.

It is important to emphasise that foreign direct investment forms only one part of the investment in regional locations. As the Deputy is aware, Laois is fortunate to have a strong base of indigenous investment and employment in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise office. There are 55 companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, employing a total of 1,473 people. Last year alone, the number of Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs in Laois increased by 8%, with 94 additional new jobs added.

My Department is always open to the Deputy. If he needs to seek a meeting with officials to discuss further developments in County Laois, the impact of the midlands action plan for jobs and so on, he may do so. The action plan covers counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Some 15,300 additional jobs were created in the period 2015 to 2018. Some of these will have been created in County Laois. I offer the Deputy an opportunity to meet officials in my Department at any point in order to discuss investment in County Laois by foreign direct investment companies. If he needs to meet officials from Enterprise Ireland, he should feel free to contact my Department. We will absolutely facilitate a meeting for him.

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