Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the resources that have been expended on the Enterprise Ireland initiative on exporting construction services abroad for delivery of the smart economy as set out in Building Ireland's Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal 2009 to 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17595/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Smart Economy Document commits Enterprise Ireland to providing a construction sector export service to assist companies and professionals to market their products and services abroad. The agency is devoting considerable resources to meeting this commitment. Enterprise Ireland has reorganised its Department Structure to put the required emphasis on Construction. Expert appointments have been made in London, Dublin and two Gulf States. The agency is working with the RIAI (Arch) and the ACEI (Consulting Engineers) and held a series of seminars on exporting.

Enterprise Ireland has led construction specific missions to Russia, Poland, Romania, Saudi and the Gulf States. Arising from this activity Enterprise Ireland has registered in excess of 100 new Construction Clients and approved grant assistance to 100 Construction Clients to explore new markets. There are 29 clients on the Leadership for Growth initiative designed specifically for the construction industry. Many of the participants have taken part in the missions and grant assistance referred to above. Moreover, their participation in L4G has led to the formation of various formal and informal consortia to pursue business opportunities.

Over 100 agency Clients have registered on the London Olympics tender and the sector will be significantly representative of the recently introduced Stability Fund. Enterprise Ireland has also approved funding for the Construction Technology Industry Association. The latter are preparing an application for industry led research support.