asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the SFADCO employment projection in respect of the west and north-west of County Clare; if he is satisfied that this is adequate to maintain employment and stem emigration in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Clare Employment.
52.
The recently published supplement to the SFADCO five-year programme for the industrial development of the mid-west region contains a projection of 40 jobs for Miltown Malbay and Kilrush-Kilkee. This figure, however, relates only to the employment to be created by SFADCO's direct action in providing advance factories at these locations. I am hopeful that additional employment will be created by the establishment of new industries at other locations in the west and north-west of County Clare and the expansion of existing industries.
I am satisfied that, with the incentives available and the steps being taken by SFADCO, everything possible is being done to ensure the provision of adequate employment in the area concerned.
Did the Minister examine SFADCO's projection for employment and job opportunities before the publication of their programme? If he has examined and seen this inadequate job opportunity provision for the people there, why has he not alerted SFADCO and corrected what has been described by Clare County Council members unanimously as a major blunder?
The total gross projection of new jobs to be created in the SFADCO areas is over 6,000 for the period April, 1972, to December, 1977. That seems to me to be a sizeable task.
Does the Minister not appreciate that the ratio has not been properly maintained within the area and that the fact that the second highest rate of population in the whole country is in the area referred to in the question has been completely ignored? Why has that not been considered by SFADCO?
The SFADCO operation is one which it may be generally accepted has been held to be very successful by Deputies. Almost invariably Deputies want to know when they can get a SFADCO operation into their own areas. The generation of industry in Clare, I think, has been higher proportionally than in any other part of the country.
While appreciating the Minister's reply, why have the industries not been dispersed into areas where there is the greatest need for employment opportunities? Does he not think that would be desirable?
I am calling Question No. 53.