asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if the Government have considered the implications in social terms for the economy and employment, of the introduction of micro-processors into Irish industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Introduction of Micro-Processors.
16.
The appropriate State agencies have the situation with regard to the introduction of microelectronic technology in Irish industry under continuous review. A considerable amount of time is currently being spent in the EEC on studies to determine how microelectronic technology will, or could, change the pattern of industry, communications and employment. However, no convincing conclusions have yet been reached and certainly none that could be applied to Ireland's particular economic position.
While the new technology may lead to some structural unemployment it should be noted that Ireland is very well placed to take advantage of developments in microelectronic technology. Microelectronic technology can open up the possibility of new forms of creative work and at the same time assist in the formation of wealth and employment generating industry. We have a young and adaptable population and good educational facilities. Moreover we do not have large existing investment in areas of manufacturing which are likely to be adversely affected. The creation of a healthy industrial sector requires that we keep abreast of constantly changing technology.
Meanwhile, the Government's industrial development strategy will be aimed at ensuring that new projects that might be vulnerable to the new technology are very carefully vetted.
Would the Minister agree that one of the things that microelectronic developments would not do is create employment in so far as the important change will be that it will displace people in employment? Does the Minister seriously suggest that we will see more employment as a result of the introduction of microelectronics rather than less, which is the fear of the rest of Europe?
Microelectronics, like electronics generally, can and does create employment as well as rendering certain types of jobs obsolete. We are very fortunate that in recent years many thousands of new jobs in electronics and microprocessors have been created. This development is taking place worldwide, and we are in a better position than most if not all other countries to take advantage of this situation. I am glad that the IDA saw the opportunities available and have grasped them with considerable advantage to us. It is not universally true to say that the use of advanced electronics and automated equipment and things of that kind necessarily creates unemployment. The two countries that have perhaps used modern electronics to the greatest extent are Germany and Japan neither of which suffers, by world standards, from an excessive rate of unemployment.
Would the Minister indicate, to the best of his knowledge, the types of industry which in the next five or ten years will be most vulnerable to redundancies resulting from this?
That is a separate question.
Certain types of clerical employment, I would imagine.