asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received representations from the Irish motor industry concerning the loss of 9,000 jobs in the industry since 1980; and if he has any proposals to alleviate the crisis in this industry.
Written Answers. - Irish Motor Industry.
24.
Limerick East): I am aware of various representations that have been made about the situation of the retail motor trade. Such representations have been accompanied by demands for action in the taxation area which is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
In so far as manufacturing activity is concerned, I stated in my reply to Deputy Mervyn Taylor on 29 October 1986, Official Report, columns 727-730, volume 369, Question No. 8) that both the IDA and Córas Tráchtála have made substantial efforts to attract car manufacturers to Ireland with the dual purpose of establishing manufacturing operations and increasing their purchase of component parts made here.
These efforts have resulted in the development and continued growth of a modern, high quality, automotive components industry which now employs more than the car assembly industry employed at its peak. At present there are over 100 companies exporting components worth some IR£260 million a year and employing over 7,500 people. The development of this industry has come about as a result of the Government's efforts to establish a strong automotive industry and has been achieved despite the international recession and pressure on the larger European auto companies to buy locally.
The Government, through its policy of attracting industry to this country capable of producing products for export and through its policy of encouraging domestic industry to compete for export business through such initiatives as the national linkage programme, will continue to target the automotive sector as a growth area. I am confident that the years ahead will see further growth in the industry in terms of both jobs and exports.