Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation her views on the establishment of an appropriate task force for the purpose of securing additional jobs in respect of counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the plans FÁS has put in place in these counties to assist persons who have lost their jobs, and who, along with other unemployed persons are seeking opportunities of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18136/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The state development agencies under the auspices of my Department continue to promote Carlow and Kilkenny for investment and enterprise development.

Carlow and Kilkenny are being promoted by IDA Ireland as an integral part of the South East region. In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the agency is concentrating its efforts on the hub town of Kilkenny and the county town of Carlow. In addition to marketing these areas abroad for new inward investment, IDA continues to work with its existing client base to encourage them to transform their operations into higher value activities and to continue their commitment to Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland is keenly focused on supporting enterprises in Carlow and Kilkenny with the ultimate goal of export growth and subsequently sustainable employment. The agency, in recognising the significant changes in the current economy both in Ireland and globally, has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that will be undertaken to help clients in 2010. The agency has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of its client base.

The Carlow and Kilkenny County Enterprise Boards continue to provide support for small businesses in the start-up and expansion phases, through the provision of direct grant aid to businesses and project promoters and through the provision of important business supports such as mentoring and training. Business growth, job creation and job retention are inherent considerations in the activities of the Boards.

The State agencies and the Boards will continue to work together and with other stakeholders in relation to industrial development in Carlow and Kilkenny. Should any further co-ordination be required, the relevant County Development Boards would be the bodies that are best placed to undertake such a role. With the advent of regional structures such as the County Development Boards, the practice of establishing task forces has been largely discontinued.

Responsibility for FÁS has been transferred to the Department of Education and Skills.