Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he has engaged with the job-creating sectors throughout County Kildare with a view to generating increased employment and protecting existing jobs having regard to the experiences of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36820/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of small enterprise jobs created in County Kildare in each of past five years and to date in 2010; the number lost in the same period; the action proposed for increased activity in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36821/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the net number of new jobs created in the various sectors throughout County Kildare in the past five years; the number of jobs lost in the same period; the action proposed to redouble job creation efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36822/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 to 262, inclusive, together.

Jobs are the central priority of Government policy. Recently, the Taoiseach launched the five-year integrated Government plan for trade, tourism and investment aimed at generating 300,000 jobs. The new plan, "Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy", is the first integrated strategy to promote overseas trade, tourism and investment. With this new strategy, the Government aims to position Ireland for strong export-led growth to 2015, resulting in high levels of job creation.

In terms of supporting the creation of new employment opportunities across County Kildare, the State development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the Kildare County Enterprise Board assist and promote enterprise development and employment growth in businesses. Enterprise Ireland delivers a wide range of supports to Irish companies, targeted at the specific requirements of clients to ensure that they develop to their full potential in terms of innovation and exports, which in turn, stimulates job creation. In addition, the agency has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining viable companies through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of their client base.

During 2010, the Kildare County Enterprise Board has continued to support enterprise development through the provision of both financial and non-financial assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development and to enhance employment creation within the county. While it is clear that we are operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets and IDA will continue to compete vigorously for projects for Ireland. Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies and at present there are 26 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 9,131 people.

In March 2009, Hewlett Packard announced the creation of up to 500 jobs for Leixlip Co Kildare. It must be remembered, however, that jobs announced are typically created over a period of up to three to five years. In addition, the IDA has arranged two site visits for potential investors to date in 2010.

Details of job gains and losses in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, in the county are set out in the first table. Statistical information in relation to jobs supported by the County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) is collated annually and the second table shows the numbers of jobs existing in Kildare CEB assisted companies for the years in question. Figures in relation to job losses in CEB-assisted companies are not collated.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of projects that the IDA Ireland has announced for Waterford in the past five years; the job potential involved in these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36840/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by IDA that in the 5 years since mid 2005, there were 6 announcements in relation to multinational, Greenfield start ups and expansions in Waterford City and County, with the potential to create 588 jobs. While jobs announced are typically created over a period of up to three to five years, it should be noted that, in the 5 years from the beginning of 2005 to the end of 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available) a total of 1,679 jobs were actually created in IDA supported companies in Waterford City and County. At present there are 31 IDA Ireland supported companies in Waterford City and County employing over 5,900 people.