Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff that Enterprise Ireland has based in China; the budget they have for their work on behalf of this country in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15680/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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China is a key priority market for Enterprise Ireland with growth in Irish company exports to this market of 10% in 2010 and in excess of 10% in 2011. There are now over 130 Irish companies with permanent offices in China.

Enterprise Ireland has three offices in China, in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Enterprise Ireland's staff complement in China totals ten, comprised of two expatriate staff from Ireland, six locally recruited staff and two graduate interns. Staff have extensive experience of working with Enterprise Ireland's client base in Ireland and in-depth specific in-market expertise and knowledge of China. Enterprise Ireland also has two Dublin based executives dedicated to China working in its High Growth Markets Team.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland is also in the process of expanding its "Pathfinder" network in China. "Pathfinders" are external sector or trade consultants with specialist expertise who allow Enterprise Ireland to augment its geographic reach and sector expertise.

Enterprise Ireland has a budget of €1.79m for 2012 devoted to this market to cover all operational and client support costs.