Vol. 351 No. 2
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if in view of the very serious unemployment problem in Dundalk he will declare it an unemployment black spot; and if he will ask the IDA to take urgent action to secure new industries for the town.
2.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if the IDA have an action plan to promote small industries in Dundalk as part of their overall promotion of the town as an industrial base.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
I am aware of the serious unemployment situation in Dundalk and am assured that the Industrial Development Authority are making every effort to attract new industries to the town and to assist existing companies to strengthen their operations.
The IDA have an advance factory of 46,500 sq. ft., a privately financed factory of 42,000 sq. ft. and 90 acres of land available for further industrial development in the town. In addition, the IDA have provided a total of ten small industry factory units in Dundalk, seven of which are now occupied.
The IDA have appointed a small industry specialist to their north-east regional office to encourage the development of small industries in the region.
Later this year the IDA will hold a small industry promotional compaign in the town to encourage local people to set up new small industries.
In view of the fact that there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number unemployed in the town of Dundalk in the last 12 months, could the Minister be more specific and tell us what measures the IDA and the Department have taken to secure industries from abroad to invest in the town?
The Deputy knows from his experience — if he does not Deputy Faulkner will tell him — that there has been a very serious decline in the amount of available international investment. The experience in the countries we are competing with is that there is a diminishing pool of such investment. While I will do everything in my power to encourage foreign investment to come to Dundalk and recognise the seriousness of the problem in that town, I do not think one should look to foreign investment as the solution to the problem of unemployment in Dundalk. It is for that reason that I have actively encouraged the IDA to have a specialist in the north-east regional office looking for small industry opportunities particularly in Dundalk. That is what the IDA are doing. For the same reason, a small industries promotional campaign will be launched in the town later this year.
I agree with the Minister's intention to promote small industries locally. Everyone will agree that there is great necessity to do so and encourage entrepreneurs to put their expertise to work for themselves and for the good of the nation. However, I impress on the Minister the serious situation that exists in Dundalk. It is a centre towards which people have tended to gravitate.
A question, Deputy, please.
Families have settled down there and the children of many families found ready and secure employment——
The Deputy is making a case and not asking a question.
——as a result of Fianna Fáil's industrial promotion in the sixties.
I cannot allow the Deputy to proceed on those lines.
They are actively seeking employment. People feel that the Government are not doing what they should do to promote industry there.
The Deputy is being disorderly. Please resume your seat.
In view of the fact that there is a natural gas pipeline——
That arises on the next question.
——and the importance of it to industrial development generally in the area, has there been any attempt——
The next question deals with that.
I am asking about Dundalk and if there has been any co-ordination of the various interests involved.
The next question deals with gas and Dundalk.
Has there been any attempt to co-ordinate the various consumer interests, industrial promotion and so on in the area?
This is the subject matter of the next question.
Does the Minister accept that Dundalk has not attracted an equitable share of industry over the last 20 years because of its geographical location? Does he accept that Dundalk is not a high priority area and compares very badly with the priority given to Cork and Galway? Does he believe that the creation of a task force for the Border region would be beneficial to the industrial situation in Dundalk?
If the Deputy was here last day he will remember I was not very sympathetic to the idea which seeks to better one part of the country at the expense of another. I do not think that is a productive way to approach this problem. However, the facts are that the rate of increase in unemployment in Dundalk has been significantly above the national average. There are many places about which I will be asked questions later today where that is not the case. I am also aware that the Deputy has invited me to visit Dundalk to see the problem for myself and I have accepted that invitation. I am very concerned about the problem of unemployment in Dundalk in particular, which is a Border area whose problems are aggravated by that fact. Further, there is a special problem which we need to reassess as far as the regional policy aspects of industrial development are concerned in regard to towns like Dundalk which have a relatively long industrial history. They seem to be worse hit by unemployment than the newly developing areas.
Does the Minister accept that no town in this country has suffered as grievously from the Ulster troubles——
That is an argument.
I think it is relevant. There is a special case to be made for Dundalk and its needs because unemployment is very high in this town.
I do not think there is any point in getting into an argument about whether Dundalk has suffered more than Clones, Monaghan town or any other Border town. I have accepted that there is a serious problem in Dundalk, and that is as far as any Deputy can expect me to go.
Would the Minister direct the IDA to concentrate their efforts in Dundalk and if after a certain period those efforts are not bearing fruit, will he declare Dundalk a disadvantaged area and increase the percentage grants available for industrial promotion?
The IDA are already concentrating their efforts in the Dundalk area. I have already indicated in reply to the Deputy's original question two special measures that have been adopted for Dundalk which are not being adopted elsewhere.
I thought the Minister did not approve of that——
When it is justified; it is sometimes necessary.
3.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if the IDA have as part of their industrial promotion of Dundalk identified the particular industries which will benefit most from natural gas being available to them; and if so, the industries.
4.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if his Department will identify the type of industry which will benefit most from natural gas being made available in Ardee, County Louth.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
The industries most likely to be attracted by the availability of natural gas are those premium users for whom gas is an advantage in the production process, for example, chemicals, glassmaking, pottery and foods. However, as natural gas is widely available throughout Europe its incentive value in its own right is limited.
It is considered that the demand for natural gas, were it to become available, for existing industries in Dundalk and Ardee would be determined largely by the cost competitiveness of gas vis-à-vis other fuels.
Will the long-established industries in Dundalk be in a position to benefit from the availability of natural gas? If we are to accept at face value the Minister's reply, does this not bring into question the economics of the gas line being brought so far in the first place? Was it not part and parcel of the overall benefits of the natural gas pipeline that industrial promotion would get the necessary shot in the arm, in addition to the primary producing areas in the economy like horticulture which will stand to gain very considerably from gas in terms of jobs created, import substitution and so on, provided the gas is made available at a proper price?
As the Deputy knows the pricing of natural gas to individual users is a matter for An Bord Gáis and their general policy is a matter for the Minister for Energy, not the Minister for Industry. However, it is intended that provision will be made in the design of the northern pipeline for possible offtake to centres located in proximity to the line, such as Dundalk. Any decision to supply a particular industry will be dependent on the technical and financial feasibility of the project. Clearly An Bord Gáis have to more than cover their costs in any extensions of supply. It is my hope, having been involved with others in bringing the supply of gas to Northern Ireland to a happy conclusion, that it will prove of benefit to areas such as Dundalk.
Locally the people who would be interested in the availability of gas feel an effort should be made to co-ordinate——
A question, please, Deputy.
——the various survey works in relation to natural gas. In view of the fact that industrial promotion is a key element, would the IDA become involved in this, in addition to those involved in supplying gas, those involved in horticulture and so on, to avoid the possibility of unnecessary duplication?
I am interested to hear what the Deputy has to say, but I am not aware of there being a problem in this regard. However, I will ask the IDA to enter into discussion with An Bord Gáis to see if anything needs to be done at this stage. We are at a relatively preliminary stage in this process and it is possible that any intense activity that might be undertaken now would be premature.
Is the Minister aware that while there is no particular industry in Dundalk at the moment which would benefit from natural gas, Premier Periclase in Drogheda would definately benefit and it is vital that we get natural gas as soon as possible?
The Deputy is aware that I know of the problems affecting Premier Periclase.
Would the Minister ask the IDA to approach the other bodies with a direct involvement in natural gas to co-ordinate their efforts?
That is precisely the purpose of what I said.
5.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism, in view of the serious employment situation in Clones, County Monaghan, the steps that are being taken to secure industries for the factory cluster units.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting their 3 × 3,300 sq. ft. cluster units and four acres of land in Clones, County Monaghan, for suitable small industry projects.
I would point out that the overall level of manufacturing employment in Clones has been maintained over the past three years.
Is the Minister aware that the EEC Social and Economic Committee which visited that area last year said that Clones required rehabilitation and that it was an area very badly in need of attention? The Minister said he looked at this area in the overall context, but would he agree that such areas which are black spots as far as industry and development are concerned, require special attention?
On 29 April 1983 there were 337 unemployed in Clones. On 27 April 1984 that figure had fallen to 322, which was against the national trend where there has been more than a 13 per cent growth in unemployment.
Would the Minister agree that statistics do not give the full picture? The EEC Committee said this area required rehabilitation. Over the last few weeks we discussed road closures. It is the overall economy of the area which we are——
I am sorry Deputy, we cannot have statements.
Is the Minister aware that it is the overall economy of the area in which we are interested? Study groups of junior Ministers have been set up to examine certain matters. I ask the Minister to make inquiries at the Department of Foreign Affairs with regard to road closures and at the Department of Finance with regard to problems created in relation to VAT impositions.
That is not what the Deputy asked me.
One has to examine it in the overall context.
Of course.
The Minister is speaking solely about figures of unemployed, which is not the whole story.
That is not the Deputy's question. The Deputy's question was about employment and industry.
Yes, but——
I have answered that question.
The Minister cannot be asked questions which are properly answerable by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Would the Minister not agree that the whole area of Dundalk and completely along the Border requires special attention and that various Departments should examine it collectively rather than individually?
I am not going to disagree with that. Of course, clearly, proximity to the Border does cause problems — I am not at all denying that. However, that is not the question about which I have been asked.
No, but——
I have answered the question that I have been asked.
Arising out of the Minister's first reply, would he agree that if we had up-to-date figures on emigration we might know exactly what has caused the drop in unemployment figures in Clones? Can the Minister point to any specific development which could have given rise to the drop in unemployment in that area?
It is a decline of 4.45 per cent, which is not very large. It would be difficult to draw any general conclusions from that. However, the move is definitely in the right direction.
No new jobs have been created.
6.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will indicate any plans he has for the provision of industry in the Leixlip-Celbridge area of County Kildare which might have the effect of ensuring continued employment in an area with a rapidly expanding population.
In 1982, the Industrial Development Authority agreed to purchase 50 acres of land at Lexilip for future industrial development. However, as a result of an appeal by local objectors, planning permission was not secured for the development and the purchase could not be completed.
The IDA continue to promote the north Kildare area for small industry development. They have completed negotiations recently with a new small industry which intends to establish in the former Ardagh Traders factory in Celbridge to manufacture industrial boilers and grate stokers. This project is expected to commence production in the near future.
Telemechanique Electrique who are now well established in Celbridge are also providing very substantial employment in the area, as are Irish Meat Packers who are based in Leixlip.
In Kilcock, Leaf Ireland recently announced plans for an expansion which will lead to additional jobs over the next two years.
Could the Minister indicate what steps are likely to be taken by the IDA in relation to pursuing the possibility of acquiring an industrial site or a site for an industrial estate in the Leixlip area, having regard to the increasing population which is at present 12,000. There is a considerable number unemployed there.
I accept the problem. However, the IDA recently made serious efforts to buy land there and met with objections. I should imagine that if they were to proceed in, not having bought the land, a costly process, they would want better assurance that they would not find themselves again before the Planning Appeals Board. Probably their best first step would be to have discussions with Kildare County Council on the matter. It might be useful if the Deputy would consider raising the matter with the county council to see if the county development team could enter into discussions with the IDA to arrive at a mutual arrangement for the acquisition of land which would not have the difficulties which the existing 50-acre site has had.
Could I mention, first, that the county development team are concerned about the situation. The difficulty at present is that industrialists seeking a site cannot have such a site provided for them in the Leixlip area. Might the Minister, in turn, pursue with the IDA the possibility of resurrecting the previous application, whether on the same site or on an alternative site, with a view to acquiring the site in the reasonably near future?
In view of what the Deputy has said, I shall have a discussion with the IDA on the possibility of acquiring further industrial land in this area. However, what I have said in response to the earlier question still has validity.
7.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will now state the number, if any, of small industries that have started up as a result of the closure last year of the ATT plant in Tallaght, County Dublin.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that prior to the closure of the former Telectron plant, an advice service centre was set up at Tallaght to encourage employees being made redundant to start their own businesses.
As a result, two small industries have commenced operations and a further project is at an advanced stage of negotiations.
Could the Minister give some more details of the two projects which have been established? How many people are employed and what is the projected employment in the area? Would he accept that with the closure of ATT and the subsequent loss of 500 jobs, those small projects which he mentioned hardly make a good success record in view of the talent, expertise and skills which were available in this and other of the newer type of industries?
That is a mouthful of a question, anyway. First, I am disappointed that more projects have not emerged from this study. Something must be learned from it. Following the closure, the IDA set up an advice centre in the offices of the VEC at Main Road, Tallaght from 25 to 27 May, inclusive. This was promoted through the local papers, through individual letters to each employee and at church services. A representative from AnCO and the Centre for Enterprise, Development and Organisation also attended at this advice centre, in addition to the IDA. Fifty-nine people came, of whom 37 were former Telectron employees, so there were 20 others. The vast majority of the callers had no business ideas, which is inevitable. They were not conversant with how one should consider setting up a project. The IDA endeavoured to indicate to them how to go about trying to identify a business idea and the manner of assessing a market for it. There has been no further response from the callers in question. However, two Telectron employees to whom I was referring earlier had, in fact, started small businesses on a part-time basis while working with Telectron some months prior to the closure and these plants are proceeding and expanding. We need to improve considerably the measures taken to encourage redundant workers to set up their own businesses. The success rate has not been particularly good. I had then instructed that a special leaflet be prepared to go out with all redundancy notices indicating the full range of services available, so that people can be encouraged to set up employment-generating businesses. However, I concede that this is an area which requires further study to reach an improved procedure in this area.
The Minister did not answer my original question. He must have forgotten about it. How many people will be employed in the two projects which he mentions? He must accept that it has been a very poor record with regard to replacing the 500 jobs lost in this increasingly populated area.
The companies which have been established are Data Control International Limited, Cornel Electronics and Epsitron Limited. I do not have job numbers here. However, I can indicate that these were established by employees prior to this.
Prior to the closure?
Prior to the closure. Another plant has been established by two men doing PCB artwork in Old Bawn, and the second is in Telecommunications in Athlone town. This latter company now employ five people and hope to raise that to ten. I do not have the employment figures for the other four companies mentioned. I am not trying to exaggerate the numbers. I am not suggesting that there are very large numbers. As I have already indicated to the Deputy, I believe we need to do better in this area. I will be asking the IDA for a report, not in a sense of looking at why they failed in this business but seeing how they can do better in the event of there being further closures.
8.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the position regarding the 24,000 sq. feet IDA advance factory in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, owing to the fact that 120 people were made redundant in a firm (details supplied) in County Sligo last year and the uncertainty regarding the jobs of the men who are presently employed in that factory and another firm (details supplied) in County Sligo; and when it is hoped that some suitable project will be found for it.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting their 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, for suitable industrial projects. The redundancies at Basta Ltd. were part of a restructuring programme designed to return the company to profitability. The company are now operating satisfactorily. While there have been a small number of redundancies in Tool and Gauge Ltd., the long term outlook for the company is assured. The IDA plan to build three small industrial units of 1,000 sq. ft. each on their 5.3 acre industrial site at Tubbercurry this year.
9.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposal he has for the development of a new industry at Mallow, County Cork.
10.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the plans he has for a new industry to be established at Mallow, County Cork, in one of the modern advance factories which is being built in the industrial estate.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are vigorously promoting the 20,000 sq. ft. privately financed factory and their 21 acre industrial site in Mallow for suitable industrial development. Despite these efforts, no projects have yet been secured for these facilities.
11.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if the IDA have any plans for a new project in the new 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Longford town, where unemployment is on the increase again.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are vigorously promoting the 28,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Longford for suitable industrial development. In addition the IDA have 3 x 1,000 sq. ft. incubator units and 25 acres of land available for industrial development in the town.
I did not hear the earlier part of the Minister's reply. Did he say that they are being vigorously marketed and promoted?
I said that the IDA are vigorously promoting the 28,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Longford.
Have we nothing beyond that?
Obviously the IDA are seeking very hard to obtain some person to locate in this plant. They have a very considerable investment there and it is clearly wasted as long as it is empty. I acknowledge that there is a need to promote employment in Longford town. I accept that there has been considerable growth in unemployment in that town in the last year as implied in the Deputy's question. I will convey to the IDA my concern about this matter and ask them to redouble their efforts to secure somebody to fill that plant.
12.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps that are being taken to provide industrial employment in Nenagh, County Tipperary, which is suffering from a record level of unemployment.
13.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps that are being taken to locate new industry in Thurles, County Tipperary, in view of the very high level of unemployment in the area.
14.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps, if any, that are being taken to provide much needed industrial employment in Roscrea, County Tipperary.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 to 14, inclusive, together.
I can assure the Deputy that both the Industrial Development Authority and Shannon Development are vigorously promoting the Nenagh, Thurles and Roscrea areas for suitable industrial development.
Negotiations are at an advanced stage with an overseas company for the establishment of a new industrial project in the IDA's 24,000 sq. ft. unit at Nenagh. I am informed that there are now four projects employing seven people located at Shannon Development's Workspace Development in Connolly Street.
Two of the IDA's factories at Thurles have recently been occupied by Appledore Ltd., and Eirauf Ltd., both of which will make a major contribution to employment in the area. In addition, Shannon Development are currently converting two industrial units into a workspace complex, which will result in 11 units of varying sizes being available for letting and are also constructing two units of 2,500 sq. ft. each at the New Road, Thurles.
IDA's 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory at Roscrea will shortly be occupied by Roscrea Bacon Factory Ltd., as part of a recently announced major expansion which will create 37 additional jobs over the next 12 months. In addition to these developments, the IDA are promoting the following facilities:
|
Factories |
Land |
|
|
Nenagh |
1×16,800 sq. ft |
54 acres. |
|
Thurles |
1×18,750 sq. ft |
75 acres. |
|
Roscrea |
— |
40 acres. |
Is the Minister aware of an industry being lost to Nenagh owing to very severe flooding in the new advance factory that was built there? Could he tell us what steps the IDA and SFADCo have taken to ensure that this type of building is not continued in the future? It is a disgrace when an industrialist is ready to take up occupation in a factory that it is not possible to do so because of flooding or some other reason.
The Deputy who put down this question is not here for the reply but he also put down a question on the matter the Deputy is referring to which I will be dealing with shortly.
Question No. 15 postponed.
16.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he can now disclose the outcome of the investigation into the decision not to locate the El Fab factory at Lisboney Estate, Nenagh, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On my direction, Shannon Development undertook, with the aid of a firm of engineering consultants, a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the flooding in January 1984 of the advance factory in Nenagh which was to house the El Fab project. This investigation has recently been completed and Shannon Development are now considering what further action to take. In the circumstances, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to make any further statement on the matter at this stage.
Would the Minister not go a little further and say that this type of building which was erected under the supervision of architects and engineers could turn out at the end of the day to be such a disaster as far as the incoming industrialist is concerned, that it will not be undertaken again? Is he not prepared to go further and say that the builders and other people involved in this operation will be struck off the IDA or SFADCo list to ensure that no recurrence will happen?
I have received and examined the report of the consultants. I studied this carefully and I made some observations that I think perhaps the scope of responsibility for this is slightly wider than the report I have received would indicate. I would prefer not to comment on this in the House because there is always the possibility that this might be the subject of litigation. I do not wish by saying that to indicate that it will. I am sure the Deputy appreciated that it is wiser not to go into detail, where such a possibility exists. However, I am very concerned about this matter. As soon as I heard about it I directed that this inquiry should be undertaken. Remedial measures have been taken in respect of this particular industry and I am reasonably hopeful that we will, as a result of those remedial measures, be able to get somebody to establish an industry there so all is not lost.
Will the Minister assure the House that responsibility for this lack of supervision of engineering, or for whatever reasons it was caused will be pinned and that action will be taken.
That was the purpose of the inquiry.
Is the Minister going to follow it up? Will we see action?
I will take appropriate action.
In a serious matter like that the person responsible should be dealt with immediately.
The Deputy is referring to particular consultants but there were many people involved in the matter. I do not want to be apportioning blame in any way by implication or otherwise at this stage.
17.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any plans for new industry for Tralee, County Kerry, where there are 3,800 unemployed.
I am aware of the unemployment situation in Tralee.
In September 1983 the Industrial Development Authority established an office in Tralee and are continuing to promote the town as a priority area for industrial development.
A number of companies in the town — Kerry Fashions, Shop Vac and Swiss Wire — are undertaking expansions which will create an additional 177 jobs between them. Efforts are continuing to secure a take-over for the Kingdom Tubes factory in Tralee.
The IDA have over 31,000 sq. ft. of advance factory space and 37 acres of land available in Tralee for further industrial development. The 5×750 sq. ft. small industry units completed in Tralee in March of this year are all reserved for small industrial projects.
Something must be done for the 3,800 people who are unemployed in Tralee. The unemployment rate in County Kerry is 22 per cent, the second highest in the country. Would the Minister ask the IDA to have Kerry or Tralee designated an area for special consideration or appoint a special task force to deal with the unemployment problem in Tralee and north Kerry?
While I accept that the level of unemployment is quite high in Tralee, the rate of growth in unemployment there in the past year has been well below the national average. It has been between 2 per cent and 3 per cent whereas the national average growth in unemployment has been about 13.5 per cent. This lower rate of increase is partly due to the work of the IDA. I have indicated a significant list of projects where expansions in employment have either taken place or are definitely to take place in the near future. Tralee already qualifies for the highest level of industrial grants and is, by virtue of its designated status, getting preferential treatment.
The closure of the Kingdom Tubes factory meant the loss of 295 jobs. I have tabled another question about that matter. An American group were there over three weeks ago and it is very unlikely that we will hear from them again.
The Deputy should not dismiss this possibility just because they have not come back within three weeks. People of this kind would make a very significant investment if they decided to commit themselves and they would probably have to consider it at one or more board meetings of their company. It would be entirely premature to reach such a pessimistic conclusion.
Maybe Deputy McEllistrim knows more about it.
It is not logical. They do not come up with a decision immediately on visiting a place.
Tralee is a disaster area which needs very special attention from the IDA. The fact that we have an IDA representative there does not mean very much to us. He will not attract industrialists to the town.
He is there to promote small industry ideas among local people. That is his purpose. The attraction of inward investment from abroad is mainly done by the IDA's foreign office network.
18.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will take the necessary steps to have new industry provided in Castleisland, County Kerry.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting their 18 acres of industrial land at Castleisland, County Kerry, for suitable projects.
Castleisland is only 11 miles from Tralee and has a large number of unemployed. Industry is badly needed and there is an IDA factory which could be utilised.
A question, please.
I would ask the Minister to request the IDA to do something about getting an industry for the town.
The IDA have 18 acres there which are designated for industry. I know they will do everything they can to get the land used for the purpose for which it was acquired.
19.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will indicate the action being taken by the IDA to provide employment in north Kerry where there is 21 per cent unemployment.
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority will continue to actively promote the following facilities available for industrial development in the north Kerry area.
|
Town |
Factories |
Land |
|
Tralee |
28,000 sq. ft. 5×750 sq. ft. incubator units (reserved) 3,300 sq. ft. |
37 acres |
|
Listowel |
21,500 sq. ft. |
17 acres |
|
Castleisland |
— |
18 acres |
|
Ballyheigue |
— |
7 acres |
|
Ballylongford |
— |
605 acres |
|
(Strategic Site) |
The figures show how interested we are in Kerry in providing land for industry but there is not much good in providing land and advance factories unless we have industrialists to use them. We have 603 acres in the Tarbert-Ballylongford area on the Shannon where there should be great potential. Since the unemployment rate is 22 per cent, a special task force should be set up for north Kerry.
I do not wish to be ungracious to the Deputy but most of that unemployment accumulated during his party's period in Government. The trend in north Kerry is now in the right direction. The rate of growth in unemployment in Tralee last year was well below the national average and in the Listowel employment exchange area unemployment actually fell by 10 per cent during the past 12 months. This indicates clearly that this Government are working very effectively to reverse accumulated unemployment problems in north Kerry.
I do not agree with the Minister that those people became unemployed while there was a Fianna Fáil Government.
I did not expect that the Deputy would agree, but the facts speak for themselves.
I cannot allow an argument or a debate at Question Time.
Many Kerry people were employed in west Limerick at that time when the smelter was being built. The number of people unemployed has increased substantially since this Government came into office.
I do not want to be ungracious to the Deputy and I am sure he is doing all he can, but the facts speak for themselves.
And the young people do not believe them.
20.
andMr. Faulkner asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of people employed in the manufacturing industry in Drogheda at (i) November 1982 and (ii) November 1983.
21.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of people employed in the manufacturing industry in Dundalk at (i) November 1982 and (ii) November 1983.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
The Central Statistics Office are the official Government agency with responsibility for collecting statistics including statistics on employment.
The Industrial Development Authority carry out annually a survey of manufacturing employment for their own internal planning purposes. These surveys showed that the number of people employed in manufacturing industry in Dundalk and Drogheda on the dates indicated were as follows:
|
Manufacturing |
Nov., 1982 |
Nov., 1983 |
|
Dundalk |
4,504 |
4,256 |
|
Drogheda |
3,801 |
3,281 |
If I recollect correctly, they are not the dates in respect of which I asked information. From the figures available in recent times it is obvious there has been a considerable decrease in the number of people employed in manufacturing in Dundalk and Drogheda. That is a strong indicator of how the local economy is faring. In Dundalk there are breweries and a cigarette manufacturing industry——
This is Question Time. If speeches are made it will make it quite intolerable.
I am coming to the question.
I know, but people take such a roundabout way of getting to the question and it takes up much time.
Will the Minister agree that the excessive level of taxation on cigarettes and on beer and spirits is having a significant effect in decreasing the demand for these items? This is working its way back to the source and it is having an effect on the people employed in the industries concerned. The footwear and textile industries have traditionally been labour-intensive. In Dundalk there is a long established tradition of skills in these areas——
I will have to be firm about this. I will not allow long statements to be made at Question Time.
I asked one question and I have another for the Minister. Because of the fall-off in demand, will the Minister not agree that the time is opportune for him as the person with direct responsibility for job creation to say to the Minister for Finance that the taxation measures are having a serious effect on our employment position? We have reached the stage of diminishing returns——
That is a matter for another Minister.
Will the Minister not agree that it is time to reverse the policies now being pursued?
It would not be appropriate for me to get involved in a discussion on taxation at Question Time. The Minister for Finance does not wish to have this high level of taxation. It has occurred only because of the deterioration in the country's finances over a relatively extended period, with which the Deputy will be familiar. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that I recognise — and have recognised during the past hour — that there is a serious unemployment problem in Dundalk and an unemployment problem of considerable magnitude in Drogheda.
Not to mention Ardee.
It is not as bad as in the two other cases.
