James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she has taken to attract foreign direct investment via Rosslare Europort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34396/17]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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84. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to improve the level of IDA engagement in the south eastern region which the region's economic monitor has cited as a necessity for closing the regional economic gap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34405/17]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the IDA supported companies that have located in County Wexford; the number of jobs provided by these companies in each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34415/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 to 85, inclusive, together.

IDA Ireland is committing to increasing foreign direct investment and related job creation in every region of Ireland, including in Wexford and the wider South East area. There are currently 17 Agency clients based in County Wexford itself, employing a total of 2,620 people. Wexford experienced positive IDA-client jobs growth in 2016, with a net increase of 6% over 2015.  Companies currently located there include INDOS, United Chemical Technologies and CRI. The following table sets out further details of IDA client employment in Wexford from 2007 to 2016.

The IDA is targeting an increase of investment in Wexford and the South East of 30%-40% by 2019. To achieve this the Agency will continue to seek out investment from overseas companies and to draw attention of potential investors to the region's particular strengths. This includes the South East's accessibility, ports and its existing cluster of medical technology firms. The IDA will also continue to work closely with its clients there to help strengthen and potentially grow their respective workforces.

More broadly, progress is being made to grow employment in the region. Since 2012, the South East has had the fastest rate of jobs growth, in percentage terms, of any region in the country. I recognise, however, that more work remains to be done, particularly in reducing unemployment further. That is why my Department, together with all its Agencies, will continue its efforts to foster and support further enterprise and job creation in the South East and thereby boost its economic performance.

IDA Supported Companies in Wexford 2007 to 2016