Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the lack of infrastructure in the BMW region is the main reason for the shortfall in meeting the commitment to jobs in the BMW area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41072/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey published by the Central Statistic's Office on 30 November, 2006, shows that for the third quarter of 2006, there were 533,500 people in employment in the Border, Midland and Western region. The corresponding figures in 2004 and 2005 were 489,800 and 512,700 respectively. This substantial growth in employment over that last two years is very encouraging. Furthermore, in the year to the third quarter of 2006, employment grew by 4.1% in the BMW region which is almost on a par with the 4.2% increase in the Southern and Eastern region in the same period.

The issue of job creation by companies supported by the Enterprise Development agencies is a day-to-day matter for the relevant agencies and the County Enterprise Boards, and is not a matter with which I am directly involved. However, I am aware that for the year to end December, 2005, which is the latest available data, there was a net gain of 1,055 jobs in IDA Ireland client companies in the BMW region. In 2005, employment in Enterprise Ireland clients in the BMW region also increased. Overall employment growth during 2005 by Enterprise Ireland clients was 1,897.

There are thirteen County Enterprise Boards operating in the BMW region. The job creation performance in respect of CEB-sponsored business projects is on target and is expected to exceed target by the end of 2006. I am satisfied that the on-going efforts of the Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department, together with the Government's ongoing commitment to regional development, will continue to bring sustainable jobs and investment opportunities to the BMW region.