Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had discussions with the job creating agencies, with a view to creating new jobs in Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8116/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Support for job creation and investment in individual counties is a day-to-day operational matter for the development agencies as part of their responsibility under the Industrial Development Acts. Enterprise Ireland is the agency with responsibility for the development of indigenous industries. The county enterprise boards, CEB, have primary responsibility for the promotion of indigenous industry in the micro-enterprise sector and IDA Ireland has responsibility for the location for foreign direct investment in Ireland. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

I have made inquiries from the agencies and I am informed that in terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new high potential start-up companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. Over the past three years, Enterprise Ireland approved funding of some €1.7 million to client companies in Wicklow town and its environs, in which over 500 people are employed. These companies are committed to increasing their sales, exports and employment and Enterprise Ireland's investment was in areas such as research and development, capability building and process development.

Wicklow County Enterprise Board was established in October 1993 to provide a source of support in the Wicklow area for small businesses with ten employees or fewer. The board's function is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity throughout the county. The CEB can support individuals, firms and community groups, provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. During 2004, Wicklow CEB approved a total of €189,316 to 21 projects and paid out over €500,000 in capital assistance throughout the region. In 2005, Wicklow CEB will continue to be actively involved in the economic and social development of Wicklow town and the broader region and will continue to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development throughout the locality.

As regards foreign direct investment, the pace of technological change throughout the world is unprecedented and accelerating, while new global business models are transforming the structures of companies in many sectors. This transformation is leading to new patterns of international investment with companies locating activities where it makes best business sense. This new order is creating new demands for high levels of knowledge and skills. The countries that are benefiting most are those that can deliver the sufficiently skilled labour force and have the capacity to embrace change, retain flexibility and promote knowledge-intensive economic activity. In delivering on the strategy of achieving a balanced spread of development across the country, IDA Ireland works closely with other organisations to create attractive and competitive locational solutions in all regions in Ireland for foreign owned business.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for Wicklow town and surrounding areas.