Vol. 561 No. 4
203 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs which have relocated to low wage economies from this country in each of the past two years; her plans to combat this trend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4757/03]
It is not possible for the industrial development agencies to determine the number of jobs which have been relocated to low wage economies in any particular period, as statistics are not maintained in this form. However, the reasons behind specific relocations are closely examined by my Department and its agencies in the context of maintaining Ireland as an attractive and competitive location for investment. Factors contributing to a decision to relocate all or part of an enterprise may include consolidation, merger or acquisition, or changes in product or market focus, in addition to relative wage rates and other costs and available incentives. Ireland both gains and loses from such decisions, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years with losses being counteracted by firms choosing this country as a location for certain higher value added business functions. To facilitate enterprise development, the focus is on strengthening Ireland's research capacity, enhancing our skills base, implementing infrastructural improvements, and shaping the regulatory environment. Competitiveness in world markets is also a key factor in negotiations on post-PPF arrangements and control of public spending.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 102.
