asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received from the IDA a forecast of job prospects between now and 1980; and, if this data included any basis of calculation sector by sector, if he will state it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Forecast.
76.
I have not received a forecast for the period to 1980; the recently published preliminary statement on the IDA's regional industrial plans contains forecasts of job projects only up to 1977. The Deputy will, no doubt, aprreciate that due to the nature of international investment, it is not possible to indicate the types of industry the IDA will succeed in attracting to Ireland in the next decade. Priority will, of course, be given to the attraction of industries whichwill generate the maximum benefit to the economy.
In view of the fact that the chances of achieving the targets are limited and that the proposals are so far fetched, is it not unlikely that they will attract any assistance from the EEC?
It is despicable for the Deputy to say the report of the IDA is not a commonsense document.
Despicable?