Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs IDA or Enterprise Ireland have created in County Wexford for each year between 1992 and to date in 2005; when each one was created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23615/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Forfás employment survey is the authoritative source measuring employment in companies supported by the enterprise development agencies. The employment survey is undertaken on an annual basis and as such, 2004 is the latest and most definitive information available. Enterprise Ireland, EI, and IDA Ireland report the following new jobs being created in County Wexford over the period 1992 to 2004:

IDA Ireland's strategy for County Wexford, for the medium to long term, is to concentrate resources on the national spatial strategy hub and county town of Wexford as the location with the greatest potential to develop as a first class location for inward investment from overseas. Other towns in the county, including Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey, are expected to benefit from the greater dynamism that the national spatial strategy gateway and hub locations of Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny can bring to the wider south-east region. For the short term, IDA will concentrate efforts on Enniscorthy and New Ross where there are available advance technology buildings to market to overseas clients. County Wexford has a total of 1,993 people working in IDA-supported companies as at the end of 2004. This compares with 1,839 people in 2002 and 1,740 people in 2001.

Over the last number of years, IDA Ireland has been seeking to attract overseas companies in newer sectors to Wexford and the profile of clients has been changing, with Lake Region and Waters Corporation — medical technologies, as well as PFPC and Equifax — international services, now firmly established in the county. IDA Ireland is committed to continue marketing Wexford as a location for knowledge-intensive industries.

Enterprise Ireland approved funding of over €43 million and made payments of over €33 million to client companies in County Wexford in the period 1992 to date to assist them with development projects. The development of community-based enterprise centres is a crucial part of the drive to create new regional enterprise. Since 1993, Enterprise Ireland has provided support of over €640,000 towards the development of community enterprise centres in Tagoat, Wexford and Enniscorthy in County Wexford. In addition, almost €60,000 has been provided in support of management development in these centres.

Enterprise Ireland continues to foster job creation in County Wexford. Enterprise Ireland job creation 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.