Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken or proposes to take to encourage job retention and job creation with particular reference to the need to create the climate for investment and the creation of jobs. [5285/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Enterprise Ireland has in place a structured response model where closures and downsizings of multinational companies (MNCs) and larger indigenous companies take place. The agreed response model is a speedy, effective and relatively positive outcome to closures and downsizings, leading to new business start-ups supported by EI or the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs). This model gives State agencies a pivotal role in supporting the recovery of the economy. In 2010, Enterprise Ireland will focus on sustaining companies that will, as the year progresses, lead to these companies preparing for growth. Enterprise Ireland will place a strong focus on 4 key areas to achieve this as follows: · maintaining & winning new sales; · driving lean and competitiveness; · promoting innovation, commercialisation, & R&D and · developing new start up companies & fostering entrepreneurship

Business growth, job creation and job retention are inherent considerations in the activities of the CEBs. The boards provide financial and non-financial assistance including priming grants, expansion/development grants and feasibility/innovation study grants. In addition, a wide range of business advice such as programmes covering business management, mentoring, e-commerce, enterprise education, and women in business networks are also available. In 2010, the CEBs will continue to assist micro-enterprises throughout the country through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice designed to help stimulate indigenous enterprise creation and to boost employment creation and retention.

IDA Ireland continues to market Ireland as a location of choice for the newcomer and for existing investors. Last September, I launched IDA's new innovation-focused overseas marketing campaign, designed to position Ireland as the pre-eminent location for companies who are seeking to invest in future innovation. I am in the process of reviewing a new strategy for the future direction of FDI which IDA has developed. This strategy will set out some specific initiatives which IDA will undertake to retain existing and secure new FDI. In addition, it will identify the opportunities in the FDI markets, while stressing the importance of restoring our relative international competitiveness if we are to maximise FDI potential.