Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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It would not be appropriate to provide information on the number of current leads being developed by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to bring jobs and investment to any specific part of the country. Such information is confidential between the Agencies and their potential and existing clients until such time as both parties are ready to make an announcement in the event of a project being agreed. The entire process is complex with contacts and engagement underway on an ongoing basis. Some initiatives can lead to a definite project at an early stage while others may not and indeed circumstances may change to bring a project to fruition at some future date.

Both Agencies have had considerable success in assisting job creation projects in the region. In relation to the IDA, the Midlands has a strong cluster in the Medical Technologies and Life Sciences sectors, which provide a significant number of jobs and in respect of which there have been several positive developments over the last few years. A total of 554 job gains have been achieved in IDA companies in Westmeath since 2010. That Agency’s new Strategy for the next five years, titled 'Winning – Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019’' which was launched earlier this year, sets out the IDA's commitment to achieve a significant uplift in the amount of FDI projects going into regions and outlines strategic actions aimed at achieving that, including a €150m property investment plan, which will support the achievement of the organization's regional goals. That funding includes the construction of an advanced office building for Co. Westmeath in 2017, as part of the programme.

In relation to Enterprise Ireland, that Agency operates a wide range of activities in the region for their Irish-owned client companies. It is undertaking initiatives and programmes to support research and development, more effective production, innovation generally, exporting capacity, entrepreneurial training and development and enhancing overall competitiveness. Over the last four years a total of 1,150 full time job gains were achieved in Enterprise Ireland companies in Westmeath.

In the Midlands region as a whole, the unemployment rate has fallen from 19.5% in quarter 3 of 2011 to 12.4% at the end of quarter 1 2015, and while much more remains to be done, that is a considerable achievement in such a short time.

In addition, my Department has been working on the preparation of an Action Plan for Jobs for the Midlands region as part of the drive to increase the level of job creation across the country. Eight Regional Action Plans will be delivered this year, building on the success of the national Action Plan for Jobs process, which has contributed to the creation of over 100,000 new jobs since 2012. Significant progress has been made in preparing the Action Plan for the Midlands region, in consultation with key stakeholders there. My officials are currently finalising that Plan and I anticipate that it will be launched in the coming weeks.