Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of targets in the Horizon 2020 strategy that have been delivered upon thus far in terms on direct and indirect jobs created; the number of investments; the number of FDI projects located outside of Dublin and Cork; the number of greenfield investments from emerging high-growth markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10015/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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IDA's strategy for the period 2010 to 2014, entitled "Horizon 2020", which was published in March 2010, sets out the following targets for job creation and investment for the period 2010 to 2014:

· 105,000 new jobs (of which 62,000 will be direct employment)

· 640 new Greenfield or Expansion Investments

· 50% of new FDI projects to be located outside of Dublin and Cork

· 20% of Greenfield investments to come from emerging high-growth markets

·€1.7 billion investment in RD&I per annum by client companies

Despite the turbulent global economy and increased competition for foreign direct investment, progress on achieving these targets has been good. IDA's 2010 end of year results show that:

· Almost 11,000 new jobs created, in IDA supported companies

· A total of 126 foreign direct investments won

· 47 companies investing in Ireland for the first time, up 20% on 2009

· Investment in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) over €500million

· 62% of investments from existing companies

· 37% of investments locating outside Greater Dublin and Cork with 45% of jobs locating outside Greater Dublin and Cork.

Another key element of the "Horizon 2020" Strategy is the transformation of IDA's existing client base. IDA has developed a suite of support mechanisms to assist companies along this transformation agenda. This encourages future business in areas which are compatible with our skills base and which are sustainable within our economy in the longer term.

IDA has also established a new High Growth Markets Team to achieve 20% of Greenfield investments into Ireland by 2014 originating from these markets. A team has also been established to target new high growth companies which are the seeds of tomorrow's multinationals.

While it is clear that we are operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets to be won and to date in 2011, there have been 17 announcements by IDA supported companies, with the potential to create 2,250 jobs. Over 50% of the announcements by IDA to date in 2011 will be based outside of Dublin and Cork.

I and my Government colleagues will support IDA to bolster ongoing contacts between IDA and a wide variety of potential investors leading to a pipeline of new investment and the creation of high quality jobs.