223 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will make provision to enable industrial employment to be provided in Killarney and Kenmare, County Kerry, including the setting up of a special task force for Killarney and south Kerry to assist, co-ordinate with, and provide the necessary expertise for Forfás, Forbairt and other agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5843/97]

IDA Ireland continues to actively promote County Kerry, including Killarney and Kenmare, within the south-west region to potential overseas investors.

Expansion of existing overseas industry is a major source of new business for IDA Ireland and County Kerry is fortunate to have some good quality companies located there. During 1996, IDA Ireland assisted two expansions and one new project in County Kerry which together will create approximately 330 new jobs. These announcements will have a positive impact on employment in the county as a whole over the next couple of years, including Kenmare and Killarney.

I am fully satisfied that there is a high level of co-operation between all the agencies, both statutory and voluntary, involved in industry development and employment creation in County Kerry. Accordingly, I have no proposals to establish a task force at this time.