Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA jobs created in each of the counties of Cavan and Monaghan in each of the past ten years; his views on whether, with the better road structure, especially into Monaghan and the improved broadband availability, now is the time to make an effort to secure high-tech employment for these two Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the recent job losses in the Virginia factory. [3415/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland and its regions. While I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or giving preference to one area over others.

Data on job creation are compiled from an annual employment survey carried on by Fórfas. County data for 2004 will not be available until mid 2005. The number of jobs created by IDA supported companies in counties Cavan and Monaghan in the period 1994 to 2003 is as set out in the following table. IDA Ireland, through its network of local and overseas offices, is actively marketing counties Cavan and Monaghan on an ongoing basis as a location for FDI. The agency believes recent infrastructural developments such as those referred to by the Deputy will enhance the attractiveness of both counties for new investments. However, it also points out that decisions regarding where to locate a project, including what areas to visit as potential locations, are ultimately taken by investors.

The job losses in Virginia are very much regrettable. However, I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by the IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs.