146 Mr. Belton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress regarding the siting of new industrial concerns in the BMW region in 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28615/01]

Over the past two years IDA Ireland has radically changed its poli cies with the aim of delivering half of all new greenfield jobs into Objective One regions which includes the BMW region. This involves doubling the proportion of greenfield jobs negotiated for these regions.

In an effort to ensure that the objective will be achieved, IDA Ireland initially reorganised its internal structures. This restructuring included allocation of additional staff to its regional offices, opening new regional offices in Cavan and Limerick and allocation of regional responsibilities to key executives in its HQ project divisions.

Recently, the IDA announced that additional posts would be transferred to Athlone, which will comprise staff from regions, property, and healthcare divisions bringing the staff complement up to 30. In addition, posts are being transferred to Sligo comprising staff from international services and consumer products divisions bringing the staff complement up to 15. The purpose of these moves is to develop these centres as magnets for growth for these regions.

IDA Ireland's incentive package is also strongly geared in favour of the Objective One regions which is in line with the new EU state aid limits. Greater focus is put on marketing of the regions for specific sectors and improvement of marketing material for the regions.