asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious unemployment problem in County Wexford; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in order to tackle this problem.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Unemployment.
12.
I am aware of the serious unemployment problem in County Wexford——
Does the Minister write these answers himself?
No. Does the Deputy write these question?
I do, that is the problem.
I give answers to the questions put down to me——
When the Minister is reduced to laughing at us we know we have him on the run.
I am smiling at the competition between Deputies—
Deputies might give Deputy Browne two minutes now.
I am smiling at the good and necessary competition between Fianna Fáil Deputies for their own counties. This is a very healthy sign.
I am aware of the serious unemployment problem in County Wexford and I can assure the Deputy that the Industrial Development Authority, who have statutory authority for the promotion of industrial development in the area, are vigorously promoting the county for suitable industrial projects. In recognition of the problem in County Wexford, the IDA have accorded it priority status in their promotional efforts since January 1985.
In addition to this priority status, the IDA have intensified their efforts in the south-east region through the establishment of the south-east Small Industries Board and by the appointment of additional staff in the region with specific responsibility for the development of small industry.
The result of these two initiatives has been that jobs approvals increased from 444 in 1984 to 801 in 1985, while first time job creation increased from 214 in 1984 to 365 in 1985. Consistent with these significant increases, grant commitments increased from £2.3 million to £7.5 million in respect of eligible fixed assets of £7.7 million and £17.7 million respectively over the same period.
In pursuance of their objective of attracting more industry to the county, it should be noted that the IDA are actively promoting a range of factory units totalling almost 279,000 square feet while a further 68,000 sq. ft. of factory space has been reserved for specific projects. In addition, a total of 189 acres of industrial sites are available at five locations throughout the county which are suitable for the full range of industrial projects.
If one were a stranger in this House, listening to the Minister's reply, one would think there were no problems whatsoever in Wexford. The reality is that we have 8,000 people unemployed. In view of the fact that the unemployment rate in Wexford is 21.4 per cent compared with the national average of 17.5 per cent, does the Minister not feel that the IDA should be making even greater efforts to establish employment in County Wexford because we have become the neglected county in the whole of the country? As the Minister comes from a neighbouring county he should show much greater commitment to Wexford than he has to date.
The commitment to Wexford is shared by the entire Government and it is the responsibility of the IDA to manifest that commitment. As I said in my reply, Wexford has been given priority status since January 1985. For example, manufacturing employment in 1982 in Wexford was 5,139 and in 1986 it was down to 4,719. That is not as sharp a drop as in counties such as Kerry or Mayo.
What about the wider industrial base?
I am trying to give the Deputy an answer. I am satisfied that there will be further projects and approvals for new industry in Wexford in the course of 1986.
As it is now 3.30 p.m. I must move on to question nominated for priority.