Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support she provides to the development and protection of indigenous computer game companies and employment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that computer games are worth more globally then the film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37392/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support she provides, within her sector, to the computer game industry; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this industry is globally economically bigger than the film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37394/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 200 together.

Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It supports companies employing 10 or more people and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years. Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive range of services, including both financial and non-financial supports, to companies with a business strategy that encompasses the elements required for business success.

At present, the games industry in Ireland has significant potential and there is a solid presence here with the majority of companies having been established within the past eight years.

Enterprise Ireland is actively involved in the Games and related Entertainment and Technology sectors. During the past four years, Enterprise Ireland has invested €2m in games companies. Employment in the gaming companies currently stands at 500, and is worth circa €10m-€15m to the Irish economy.

The Irish Games sector has attracted a lot of acquisition interests from major overseas players. Over the last 36 months a number of Enterprise Ireland companies have been acquired Havoc (Intel), Demonware (Activision) and Upstart (Sun 3C).

In addition, a number of multi-national gaming companies have a presence in Ireland also, such as Vivendi Universal Games, PopCap Games and Microsoft Games. GOA, part of France Telecom, which deals with games distribution and publishing, employs around 250 staff here. Gala, a Japanese company, has established its European base in Ireland producing and rolling out games; and US casual games pioneer PopCap International, also has its European Headquarters here.

A new emerging trend is online gaming, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), casual games and funware gaming. Enterprise Ireland is working closely with start-ups in these areas. This area has an estimated worth of €33bn worldwide and is constantly growing.

Enterprise Ireland continues to support the games sector in Ireland and actively engages with the companies in regard to clustering and sectoral development.