asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider providing increased incentives for those willing to set up industries in counties along the Border, such as Monaghan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Industry Incentives.
33.
With the exception of Louth, all the counties along the Border are in the designated areas and projects in those areas are eligible for the highest level of grant provided for in existing legislation. Louth although not in the designated areas has already been shown to be an attractive location for industry.
As there has already been substantial progress in securing industrial projects for a number of locations in Border counties, including Monaghan, Letterkenny, Ballyshannon, Carrigallen and Mohill, and as the existing incentives are already very attractive, I do not consider it necessary to provide increased incentives in those areas.
Is the Minister aware that the present incentives are not sufficient and that there has been a big fall-off in inquiries from industrialists since the Border troubles?
I am indeed aware of the effect of the Border troubles on inquiries but the net annual target— for example in relation to Monaghan and the question of Border counties in general—is 140 jobs. The net jobs actually created in the manufacturing industry in Monaghan in 1973 amounted to 315. While I recognise the real difficulty that exists there is significant and satisfactory progress. I expect there will be more evidence in the coming months and years of industrial expansion in the Border regions.
Is the Minister also aware that there is an urgency in providing industrial employment as the small farm industries, especially the pig industry, are facing a crisis? Many small farmers will be looking for off-farm employment shortly because their living is being taken from them.
I recognise that a real problem exists in the Border areas and I think that the designation of them reflects the recognition of that problem by this Government and the previous Government. It would be a mistake to exaggerate the difficulties because that could be damaging.
Arising out of what the Minister has just said——
I have allowed the Deputy a number of supplementaries. I am calling Question No. 34.