Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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292. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the opening of new Enterprise Ireland offices abroad to promote economic investment in Ireland; the date on which he expects each of these new offices to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39172/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The opening of the Enterprise Ireland offices in Austin, Texas and Istanbul, Turkey forms part of the Action Plan for Jobs and its central strategy of building a powerful engine of Irish exporting businesses.

An executive has been appointed to the office in Austin, Texas and the office will commence operations in October 2013. A search has commenced for suitable office space in Istanbul and the appointed executive to Istanbul will also commence operations in October 2013.

Texas and Turkey are two markets which hold enormous potential for Irish companies. The opening of these two offices provides Irish companies access to Enterprise Ireland's suite of supports, networks and contacts, and both will work with Irish companies to target export opportunities and ultimately to generate sales leading to the sustaining and growth of jobs in Ireland.

In 2012, Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved exports to USA and Canada amounting to €1.78bn, a 20% increase on the figure of €1.48bn for 2011. Exports by EI clients to Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, which includes Turkey, amounted to €1.75bn in 2012, an increase of 3% over €1.703bn in 2011.

These new office openings in Istanbul and Texas were delivered followed extensive research and the completion of successful trade missions and increased client demand.