Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies located in the Shannon Free Zone for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and the first six months of 2007; the number of employees in these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29766/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The number of companies located in the Shannon Free Zone in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 was 112, 109 and 101 respectively. Employment in these companies for these years was 7472, 7207 and 7188. The number of companies was unchanged for the first half of this year but employment figures for 2007, which are compiled on a full year basis, will not be available until early in 2008.

The Zone has performed well against a very difficult global business background and whilst job losses are always regrettable, an overall reduction of 284 or 3.8% over a three year period to 2006 for over 100 Free Zone companies is understandable in the context of the severe competitive pressures facing industry today. While the overall employment trend for the Zone in recent years has been marginally downward, significant gains have also been made with 573 new jobs created in 2004, 450 in 2005 and 549 in 2006. Latest available figures show companies located in the Free Zone spend in excess of €610 million on wages and Irish sourced materials and generate sales of €3.3billion, with over 70% of these sales accounted for by the international services sector.

Shannon Development is committed to facilitating the Free Zone's manufacturing base move up the value chain through capability enhancement programmes with a strong emphasis being placed on R&D supports. Substantial investment in next generation office space such as the 1million sq ft Westpark Campus development at Shannon represents a serious vote of confidence in the Zone's ability to continue to attract world leaders in the international services and other sectors.

As part of its three year Corporate Plan drawn up to give effect to its new mandate, Shannon Development is at an advanced stage in overseeing a comprehensive masterplan to regenerate the Shannon Free Zone and adjoining areas. The masterplan is being prepared by external consultants in close cooperation with all key stakeholders, including IDA Ireland and Shannon Airport, and will serve as the basis for regeneration and development of the Zone in the coming years.

This multi-million investment implementation will result in large scale development of offices, laboratories, factories and warehouses, which will provide accommodation for businesses in key growth sectors and maintain the Shannon Free Zone's leading position in the international market into the future. IDA Ireland, in cooperation with Shannon Development, is continuing to market the Zone as a centre for FDI through its network of overseas offices.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the €4 million in grants paid by the IDA to a company (details supplied) has now been repaid in view of the failure of the planned project at Ballincollig to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31135/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The legally binding agreements covering the payment of industrial grants by IDA to its client companies provide, among other things, that companies are obliged to repay grants in their entirety in the event of the project not proceeding. I am satisfied that the company concerned is fully aware if its obligation to repay the grant in its entirety.

Where a contractual entitlement to recover a grant arises, it is entirely a matter for the agency that is party to the contract to effect the recovery. I understand that the IDA has not yet sought recovery of the monies in this case.

As I said in the House on 24th October last the decision by Amgen to postpone indefinitely their proposed development at the Carrigtwohill site was based purely on developments related to the company's global business and is not in any way a reflection on the business environment in this Country. It is expected that the company, which has spent $100million on site acquisition, conceptual design and site clearance preparation, will retain ownership of the site. IDA Ireland will continue to maintain contact with Amgen as the company works through its restructuring phase.

While I am very disappointed at this turn of events, it must be noted that the Cork Gateway is still vibrant in what it can offer potential investors, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and internationally traded services.

There are currently 133 IDA assisted companies in County Cork employing almost 20,000 people. Cork City and County have benefited greatly from a number of important investment announcements this year which demonstrates the attractiveness of the greater Cork area as a location for investment, by both existing companies already located there as well as new overseas client companies choosing Cork as their location of choice. A total of nine Foreign Direct Investment projects have been announced for Cork City and County since the start of 2007, with an estimated 1,000 jobs to be created at full operation. In fact, IDA Ireland has, over the last 3 years, approved new projects for the Cork area with a job potential of over 3,100 people at full operation. I am confident that the policies being pursued for Cork City and County by the development agencies will continue pay dividends in terms of investment and jobs for the region.