Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of times the established task force met since the closure of the CIGNA plant at Loughrea, County Galway; the outcome of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28167/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Senior management from Enterprise Ireland along with the IDA, FAS, City and County Enterprise Board, Udaras na Gaeltachta, the Department of Social Protection and the Local Authority meet once a quarter under the Chairmanship of the Galway County Manager to discuss integrated strategic responses to areas of concern within the county. The Loughrea area is reviewed on a regular basis. The individual State development agencies are promoting the former CIGNA facility and are also available to any potential investors to discuss opportunities within the Loughrea area.

More generally, IDA Ireland's strategy for the West region is to: · Support the growth and development of the Region's existing clients by working with them to increase their strategic importance through additional functions and activities. · Market the West region to overseas clients in order to secure new Greenfield investment. · Strengthen the West Region's product offering by working with relevant partners, including Local Authorities, third level institutions and service providers to enhance the region's ecosystem. · Provide property solutions with supporting infrastructure to attract foreign direct investment.

There are 48 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County, employing 8,912 in permanent jobs and a further 912 are in temporary and contract employment.

Galway has over the years attracted significant investment from multinational medical technology firms. IDA supported medical technology companies now account for over c.5,800 employees. Such companies include Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Beckman Coulter, Covidien, Merit Medical and Transitions Optical. A significant number of these clients have R&D activities based in the region.

Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that creating and maintaining employment in County Galway has been and remains a priority for the Government and the State development agencies.