Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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77. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 15 April 2014 the number of site visits that have taken place this year; and the progress, in securing an employer for the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36018/14]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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78. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 300 of 15 April 2014 the number of site visits that have taken place this year; the progress, in securing an employer for the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36019/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.

I am informed by IDA Ireland that, while there has been no further IDA Ireland sponsored further site visits to Roscommon to date in 2014, there is a pipeline with regard to Roscommon town, on which I am unable comment further at this time.

In regard to the Green Isle facility in Boyle, I am informed that there has been no change to the position as I outlined in reply to the Deputy's question earlier this year.

In Roscommon, client companies of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland employ a total of 2,460 people in full and part-time employment.

The Action Plan for Jobs 2014 includes a commitment to develop a framework for a Regional Enterprise Strategy to better integrate the efforts of the enterprise development agencies and other regional stakeholders in supporting enterprises. My intention is that the framework will be developed on a pilot basis initially, focusing on the Midlands and South East regions, and involving the agencies under the remit of my own Department – Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The objective is to enhance synergies between the agencies and their client companies and build on the competitive strengths of the region to maximise the potential for job creation. The role which other public bodies in the region can play in working towards this objective will also be examined as the project develops. The aim is that this framework will serve as a model for other regions of the country.

Additionally, I launched my Department's Policy Statement on Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland on 30 July last. This statement sets out the strategic direction for foreign direct investment to 2020 and the key actions needed to enhance Ireland’s attractiveness and business environment in the context of intensified international competition for investment and talent.

IDA Ireland are currently developing a new corporate strategy for the period 2015 – 2020 which reflects this policy statement and the need to address regional issues.