asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the Ross Report on the Economic Development of the Midland Region 1980; if he will give his views on the very serious economic implications of the report for Counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will prepare and implement as a matter of urgency a special development programme for the region.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Midland Region Economic Development.
17.
I am aware of the paper prepared by Dr. Míceál Ross of the Economic and Social Research Institute on the economic development of the Midlands Region.
The Deputy is aware, no doubt, that overall responsibility for regional development is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. In so far as the paper deals with industrial development policy it is being examined by my Department and the Industrial Development Authority, in conjunction with the report recently published by the Midlands Regional Development Organisation entitled Development Strategy for the Midlands Region.
The Industrial Development Authority are fully aware of the manufacturing employment needs of Laois/Offaly and are vigorously promoting the area for new industry with a view to achieving the target of 3,000 new jobs in grant aided industry as set out in the Authority's Industrial Plan 1978-82. Over 1,900 new jobs have been created in the first three years of the plan.
I found it difficult to hear all the reply of the Minister of State, which was a lengthy one. Is the Minister of State aware that since the publication of the Ross Report a further survey commissioned by the EEC clearly indicates that the per capita income of the counties of Laois and Offaly is the fourth poorest in the entire EEC region? Does the Minister of State consider declaring the area suitable for designation for the allocation of special grants for development, because that is the only way that the per capita income of the region can be restored?
I would not like the House to think that the problems of the Midland Region arose since last June. I can safely say that they were the result of the inflationary and spendthrift policies of the last Government. However, I will ask the IDA to advise me on the question of designating the Midland area for grant purposes?
Would the Minister arrange for earlier discussions between his Department and the IDA to discuss the serious deteriorating situation in the counties of Laois and Offaly? What steps will he take as a result of that discussion?
The responsibility of my Department relates primarily to the IDA. I am quite satisfied that their employment programme for the region will be fully adhered to.
Does the Minister of State agree with the findings of the Ross Report?
I would not like to call the Ross Report a report. It is only a paper produced by Dr. Ross and, after having briefly glanced at the report, I am aware of the limitations of the report and this was quite frankly admitted by the author of the report.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.