Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that a more even spread of investment throughout the country can be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37945/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A key goal for the enterprise development agencies is the achievement of the national objective of balanced regional development within the framework of the National Spatial Strategy. The recently launched "Gateways Investment Priorities Study" aims to provide renewed impetus to the development of the nine Gateway locations identified in the NSS. Gateway development involves not just physical infrastructure but also the development of labour force participation, the enterprise and economic base, skills and R&D. The enterprise development agencies under my Department and FÁS were closely involved in preparing this report and they will be key partners in implementing its recommendations.

Enterprise Ireland has set itself three broad objectives with regard to its regional focus. First, to drive the growth of innovation-based start-ups in locations throughout the country, second, to develop existing client companies in all locations, and third, to facilitate entrepreneurial development and the development of the enterprise environment in local and rural communities.

IDA also has a strong role to play because of the mobilizing and energizing effect that new investments can have in a region. The impact of new inward investment can be seen in many towns over recent years, for example, Pacificare and Pramerica in Letterkenny, MBNA in Carrick-on-Shannon, Guidant in Clonmel Kostal in Mallow, Cordis in Cashel, M.S.D in Ballindine, Abbot Diabetes in Donegal, Servier in Belview and Arklow, U.S.C.I. in Ballinasloe and Toucan in Sligo.

IDA Ireland is currently in the process of developing a number of high specification, regionally distributed, strategic industrial sites to help the regions compete for high-value projects in both the biopharmaceutical and ICT sectors.

A total of 46 new investment projects, out of the 71 supported by IDA Ireland in 2005, are locating outside Dublin. Over the past six years the new job gains associated with Enterprise Ireland clients have shown strong growth in the regions. In 2000, 54% of employment gains were in EI client companies located in all regions outside of Dublin. By 2005, 65% of employment gains associated with Enterprise Ireland client companies were located in regions outside Dublin.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies are and will continue to bear fruit in terms of a more equitable distribution of investments and jobs.