Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 732: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in 2005 by the economic development agencies in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1117/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland, which has responsibility for foreign direct investment and Enterprise Ireland, which is concentrating on the development of indigenous industries. The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the industrial development agencies. A total of 486 new jobs were created in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2005, which is concentrating on the development of indigenous industries. My Department also provides funding to the Meath County Enterprise Board, which was established in October 1993 to provide support for small businesses with ten employees or fewer. The board assisted in the creation of 92 net jobs in the county in the year ending 31 December 2005. Final figures for jobs created at county level for 2005 in respect of IDA client companies are not available from the IDA as yet. However, in the year to 31 December 2004, a total of 49 new jobs were created in companies supported by IDA Ireland, which has responsibility for foreign direct investment. I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies in Louth, together with the ongoing commitment and support of the county enterprise board for small business, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Meath.