Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement of the loss of 175 jobs at a company (details supplied) in County Galway; the steps that are being taken to secure alternative employment, especially having regard to the high level of other job losses in the area. [11362/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In February, 2010 Boston Scientific announced that 175 staff at their Galway plant on temporary contracts were being released from these contracts. These temporary positions are increased and reduced in line with business demands. The medical devices company confirmed that the site is not at risk and remains strongly committed to its operations in Ireland, which are making a significant contribution to the organisation's global business. In 2009 Boston Scientific announced a €91m investment at the Galway plant creating 45 high calibre jobs. The company continues to employ close to 3,000 people in Ireland, and IDA Ireland continues to work with Boston Scientific to maximise all opportunities for further investment in Galway.

There are 48 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County, employing some 8,912 in permanent jobs, and a further 912 in temporary and contract employment. IDA supported medical technology companies now account for over 5,800 employees in the county. IDA Ireland is actively working with new and existing overseas companies in Galway to encourage them to grow and expand. A number of significant investments for the County were announced over the past year from companies such as StreamServe Inc., Hewlett Packard, Buy.com, Lumension Security, IBM Corporation and Boston Scientific. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Galway County Enterprise Board and other interested bodies will continue to work to deliver new investment and jobs for the Galway Region.