Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 443: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland in County Kerry during 2011; the level of funding provided for job creation in County Kerry; the other actions Enterprise Ireland will take to promote jobs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18125/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The achievement of balanced regional growth continues to be a core objective of Government. Promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating the key infrastructural needs of Irish enterprise across all regions is vital to ensuring a vigorous pipeline of new business leaders, new business ideas and entrepreneurial activity.

Enterprise Ireland activity in Co. Kerry is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs to set up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies through support of company development plans, and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions.

In 2011, there were 3,602 people employed in 124 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Kerry, with 117 of these jobs created during that year. The financial support provided by Enterprise Ireland to its client companies in Co. Kerry totalled almost €2.6m in 2011. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland has provided funding of over €2.2m, as well as other supports, for the development of incubation facilities at the Institute of Technology, Tralee. The Tom Crean Business Centre also provides incubation space for Enterprise Ireland clients in the start-up phase of their business. Enterprise Ireland co-funded the support of a Development Manager for the Centre for two years. The agency is also supporting the Institute of Technology and the Tom Crean Centre in the delivery of the "New Frontiers" Programme which is due to commence in May 2012 in Tralee, with up to 12 High Potential Start Up businesses. This programme will run over a six-month period and provides structured business development modules and mentored guidance to assist the participants to develop their business ideas and business plans which may be eligible for further Enterprise Ireland or other financial/soft supports.

Enterprise Ireland has also approved funding totalling more than €1.7m towards the construction and development of several Community Enterprise Centres in Co. Kerry over the past number of years, including Killarney Technology Innovation Centre, Iveragh Coop Farmers Mart Society Ltd, and Kenmare Mart Enterprise Coop Society Ltd.

I am confident that the initiatives being pursued by Enterprise Ireland will continue to support employment opportunities Co. Kerry.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has received any correspondence from a company (details supplied) regarding the possible location of up to 300 jobs here; if his attention has been drawn to any liaison between the company and Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the agency received a communication from the promoter concerned on 4 February last. I am informed that an uncharacteristic delay of two weeks occurred in responding to this communication. As soon as this was brought to the attention of the agency, they acted immediately.

The agency has offered to meet with the promoter to discuss his proposals in more detail. However, the promoter has not taken up the agency's offer of a meeting to date. The agency would be happy to engage with the promoter to discuss his proposal if he still wishes to do so.