Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The numbers of full-time manufacturing jobs created in County Kildare in companies assisted by the enterprise development agencies were 875 in 2002, 846 in 2003 and 1,045 in 2004. Because the figures are compiled by each county on an annual basis, those for 2005 are not yet available. Overall permanent employment in agency-supported firms in County Kildare has increased from 8,847 in 1995 to 15,698 in 2004, an increase of more than 75%, which is significantly above the national average.

Irish enterprise policy is being actively refocused towards creating conditions that will make possible a sustained shift to higher-skill, knowledge-intensive activities and in which advanced manufacturing expertise will be an important contributor to growth and employment. Almost 60% of total employment in Kildare is in companies that are part of the technologically advanced sectors, compared to 45% nationally. The county's position as an attractive location for knowledge-based industry in the future has also been bolstered by significant investment in recent years in technological infrastructure in the National University of Ireland, NUI, Maynooth. Since 2002, Enterprise Ireland has approved more than €3.3 million to support innovation partnerships between NUI Maynooth and industry.

Since 2002, Enterprise Ireland has approved more than €7.5 million to its client companies in the county to assist them with their development plans, including research and development. In addition to direct finance, Enterprise Ireland has a range of service offerings to encourage the set-up of high-tech, high-opportunity indigenous enterprises. There are more than 170 Enterprise Ireland supported client companies in County Kildare. Enterprise Ireland also works with other local agencies and organisations in the county to develop the local business infrastructure.

In addition to targeting potential new projects, IDA also works with its existing client base with a view to supporting these companies with expansion and diversification of their activities, which will strengthen their presence in the region. Over the past five years, IDA's focused strategy for Kildare has been to promote the county as part of an integrated east region. Kildare has, in recent years, attracted some world-class manufacturing companies such as Wyeth Medica and Oral B.

Kildare continues to thrive across a broad range of activities in a number of important sectors. As a result, many job opportunities are being created within the county. I am confident that the strategies and policies pursued by the enterprise development agencies will continue to maximise sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Kildare.