Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs expected to be created in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7528/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is currently experiencing an economic downturn and a general slowdown in employment in all sectors. Indeed many countries throughout Europe and around the world are experiencing similar difficulties in their labour markets. The global economic turmoil makes it difficult to predict the outcome for job creation in 2009. The Government is, however, taking specific measures to address the economic downturn and to ensure that job creation is optimised in 2009. Specifically the Enterprise Development Agencies of my Department are working to hard ensure that we continue to grow the economy and jobs.

Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will decline and almost all economic commentators are predicting a difficult year in 2009. However, on a daily basis, IDA is working closely with its clients in making every effort to keep them operating in Ireland while minimising the job losses encountered. It is important to recognise that even in turbulent economic times there is still FDI to be won and our competitors will not be slow in targeting opportunities. A firm focus and a positive attitude in our ability to win FDI, by all stakeholders, are key ingredients to a successful outcome.

For indigenous industry it is extremely difficult to predict an outcome for 2009 given the difficult circumstances Enterprise Ireland (EI) clients are operating in. However, EI is focused on supporting clients to maximise export sales and consequently employment, by continuing to invest in companies to help them plan strategy, build capability, access markets and research, finance start-ups and innovation. Success in securing export sales will be a key driver of job creation and sustainability in 2009. In addition, during 2009 the County and City Enterprise Boards will continue to support enterprise development and job creation through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance to micro-enterprises and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level.