Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the significant job losses in Tallaght in recent months; her views on the concerns of the wider community in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2175/09]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 213: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide assurances that attention will be given to the job creation needs of Tallaght which is the third largest population centre in the State; if she will draw the attention of the relevant State agencies to those needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2176/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

The Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department together with the local County Enterprise Board are very much aware of the situation in Tallaght and the surrounding area, as is the Training and Employment Authority FÁS.

Insofar as IDA Ireland is concerned, the agency has ensured that Tallaght and the surrounding area are well equipped to compete with other areas for potential foreign direct investment, with excellent infrastructural facilities at Citywest and Grange Castle. The pharmaceutical company Wyeth Biopharma has established the world's largest biopharma campus facility investing €1.8 billion here. The company currently employs approximately 1,300 highly skilled people. Microsoft has announced plans to invest $500m in the construction of a data centre and will employ up to 75 people. The agency, in conjunction with South Dublin County Council, will continue to market the area to new and existing client companies.

Since the beginning of 2005 to date, Enterprise Ireland has approved support in excess of €19.5m and made payments of over €10.4m to companies in South County Dublin to enhance their capacity, capability and performance. The agency supports the provision of incubation space for start up companies and works towards enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level by supporting research in companies and Third Level Institutions. The M50 Enterprise Platform Programme is under way in the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, in conjunction with Blanchardstown Institute of Technology and Dublin City University.

The agency also works closely with the Tallaght Institute of Technology in encouraging the commercialisation of research and has approved financial support of over €2.6m to the Institute for the development and management of an Incubation Centre. This Centre provides entrepreneurs with affordable space in an environment which provides support for them to research their new ideas and affords them the opportunity to bring about new indigenous businesses. The agency has also approved support of €1.225m for a Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Technology Tallaght, the focus of which is Microsensors for Clinical Analysis.

The South Dublin County Enterprise Board delivers a series of Programmes to underpin its role and provides both financial and non-financial assistance to project promoters. During 2009, the CEB will continue to support enterprise development in the area through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.

The Training and Employment Authority FÁS is helping unemployed people to review their options and develop a meaningful career plan which takes account of the opportunities in the current labour market. This will also prepare them for the economic upturn when it comes. Additional training courses are being provided to help people acquire new skills and be better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. I am satisfied that the policies being pursued and the actions being taken will continue to address the needs of Tallaght and the surrounding area in these difficult times.