Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the mid-west task force was established, following the job losses suffered in Limerick due to the closure of manufacturing by Dell computers in January 2009, charged with analysing the impact of the resulting significant job losses for the region, with making recommendations to address the resulting economic challenge, and with recommending to Government a development plan for the mid-west region; the final report was presented to Government in March 2011; when he intends to publish the final report; the reasons for the delay; and when will its actions be implemented. [26684/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Mid West Task Force was established in early 2009 by my predecessor Ms Mary Coughlan, TD, in her capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Task Force produced an Interim Report in mid 2009 which set out a range of recommendations, to be addressed by a number of Ministers/Departments/Agencies, on measures to address the economic and social consequences of the job losses in the region. Ministers addressed these recommendations, particularly in the context of their Estimates for 2010. A number of updates were provided on progress in implementing the recommendations, culminating in a report setting out the full list of recommendations and the measures taken to implement them which was co-ordinated by my Department and sent to all Deputies in mid 2010.

I received the Final Report of the Task Force before the Summer break this year, and discussed it with the Task Force Chairman Mr Denis Brosnan in June. Its recommendations relate mainly to the programmes and structures of the industrial development and other agencies in the region. These programmes and structures are, as is the case with all Government programmes, currently the subject of an Expenditure Review which will be completed in the run-up to Budget 2012. I intend to publish the Final Report of the Task Force and the Government's response to it in that timescale.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the recent announcement of job losses at a company (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the steps he will take to protect jobs at this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26851/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the company concerned proposes to make approximately 175 of its employees redundant as a result of the loss of a major contract. I am extremely disappointed to hear of the proposed job losses, and I am very conscious of the effect that this outcome would have, not just on the workers and their families, but also on the local community as a whole.

While not a client company of IDA, EI or the County and City Enterprise Boards, in the event that these proposed job losses become a reality, I wish to assure those concerned, and the community, that the relevant State agencies will be available to provide all necessary support. The priority of course, when there are job losses will be to find alternative employment or re-training for those involved at the earliest opportunity.

Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate job creation. The Jobs Initiative announced in May focuses our limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy.

The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy. The allocation of €508 million in funding for 2011 will ensure that the core programmes of the enterprise agencies are sustained and targeted as well as driving investment in research and development. This investment in the Enterprise Development agencies will drive recovery in the economy by facilitating the winning of foreign direct investments, the growth of indigenous exports and the creation of sustainable jobs.

IDA Ireland, though its network of overseas offices, continues to market Tallaght and South County Dublin for potential foreign direct investment opportunities across a range of sectors. The area is well equipped to compete with other areas with superb infrastructure facilities at City West and Grange Castle and a Third Level Institute of Technology at Tallaght. According to the latest figures available, there are 4,821 IDA-assisted companies across Dublin employing almost 53,000 people. As recently as 20 September, Pfizer announced the creation 400 construction jobs as part of its investment in its biotechnology manufacturing facility in Grange Castle.

In terms of indigenous enterprise, Tallaght and South Dublin are also well served thanks to the efforts of Enterprise Ireland and South Dublin County and City Enterprise Board. Enterprise Ireland has 367 client companies in Dublin South County employing almost 11,500 people full time and a further 1,141 people on contract or part time work. So far this year, Enterprise Ireland has provided almost €4m in financial support to its clients in Tallaght and South County Dublin.

During 2011, South Dublin CEB has continued to be actively involved in the economic development of Tallaght and South Dublin through the provision of both financial and non-financial support, such as advice, mentoring and training programmes, as well as direct financial assistance. In 2010, South Dublin CEB issued grants of almost €479,000 to 31 projects. At present, there are 1,155 jobs existing in companies supported by South Dublin CEB. All the activities of South Dublin CEB are directed towards stimulating indigenous enterprise creation in the area.