Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to support enterprise development in Cork South-West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23152/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department are responsible for growing indigenous enterprises and attracting and growing foreign direct investment. Balanced regional development and a thriving culture of entrepreneurship in all parts of Ireland are key strategic objectives for my Department and the Development agencies under its remit.

Enterprise Ireland's current strategy, "Transforming Irish Industry 2008-2010", focuses on facilitating entrepreneurship and the enterprise environment in local and rural communities, driving the creation of innovation based start-ups, actively engaging in the Community Enterprise Scheme and proactively developing existing clients in all regions including Cork south west. Enterprise Ireland works with just over 700 client companies in County Cork, which employ a total of 18,065 people. In 2008, the agency will continue to deliver its wide range of programmes to address the demands of entrepreneurship and the diversity of business types.

West Cork County Enterprise Board (CEB) provides a source of support throughout south west Cork for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. The Board's function is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity. During 2007, West Cork CEB paid out €120,347 in grant assistance to 15 projects and over 700 people participated in management and capability development training courses organised by the Board. West Cork CEB's 2008 overall budget allocation is in excess of €900,000. This targeted exchequer funding will continue to enable the Board to maximise regional entrepreneurial development in the micro-enterprise sector throughout the region.

IDA Ireland is also supporting enterprise development in the region through its ongoing strategy of growing and embedding foreign direct investment activity. The agency is encouraging its client companies to add strategic functions to their Irish operations in areas such asR&D and marketing. There are opportunities here for indigenous companies in the areas of sub-supply and service provision.

I am satisfied that the efforts being made by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the West Cork County Enterprise Board, together with local interests, will continue to bring investment and job opportunities to Cork south west.