Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in County Cavan by IDA Ireland in each year since January 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in County Monaghan by IDA Ireland in each year since January 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31542/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.

In the four year period 2002 to 2005 a total of 95 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Cavan while 71 new jobs were created in County Monaghan. The attached tabular statement sets out the number of jobs created in each county in each year.

The marketing of individual areas, including Cavan and Monaghan, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for IDA Ireland. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

IDA Ireland adopts a focused approach to marketing the country, selecting specific towns in each region and setting targets for new investment. This year, for example, IDA has a target to secure a new investment in the medical devices area for Cavan town as it believes the existing 23,745 sq ft facility in its Cavan Business Park is particularly suited to this sector. Should a project be secured for Cavan the focus would then shift to Monaghan.

This does not preclude IDA Ireland from marketing each town, including Monaghan, on an ongoing basis and the Agency responds to all enquiries by potential investors. Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate are taken by the investors and IDA Ireland can only advise and market the attractions of potential sites, and work towards convincing investors that these sites meet their requirements.

I am confident that the completion of the M3 motorway, which will improve access to the airport, will improve the prospects for additional investment and jobs for the people of Cavan and Monaghan.