Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Agency sponsored visits to County Kerry by potential investors in 2014; the number of these that have occurred since 1 July 2014; if the IDA believes it is less challenging to invite potential investors to County Kerry since its inclusion on the regional aid map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40604/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by IDA Ireland that during 2014 there was one IDA Ireland sponsored site visit by a potential investor to Co. Kerry, which took place prior to the end of June 2014.

The final decision on where to locate and indeed where to visit resides with the client company. That having been said, the addition of grant aid in Kerry will, of course, add a positive element to the value proposition of Kerry as a destination for FDI.

At the end of2013, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing 1,638people. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with all these companies and works closely with them to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites. The primary opportunity for regional locations is in respect of the existing client base and potential further investment opportunities from same. Approximately 70% of all FDI investments won by IDA Ireland are from the existing client base.

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 region, 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.