Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to establish a task force for the Naas area in view of the recent closure of a factory (details supplied) resulting in job losses for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43094/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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According to the most recent Quarterly National Household Survey published by the Central Statistics Office on 30 November, the numbers in employment in the Mid-East region, of which Naas is a part, continue to grow. The numbers increased from 225,600 people in the second quarter of 2006 to 231,800 in the third quarter. This represents a continuing strong rise of over 20,000 in the number of people in employment in the region over the last two years.

In recent years, a number of world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica and Hewlett Packard have been attracted to County Kildare. As regards Naas itself, in May of this year, I announced a major investment of €28m by Dawn Farm Foods Ltd with support from Enterprise Ireland. A total of 100 new jobs will be created. A major expansion by Green Isle Foods is under way and on target. The Millennium Park in the town has three modern advance office buildings available for marketing to investors. A financial services company has already established in the Park.

I am satisfied that the efforts of the Industrial Development agencies will continue to attract investment and job opportunities to the area.