asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he intends to grant County Wexford designation status in light of the disastrous unemployment situation in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Wexford Designation Status.
68.
Limerick East): As the Deputy is aware the question of designation generally was the subject of a National Economic and Social Council study which was initiated by my predecessor. The study was concerned with a review of the criteria for designation.
Subsequently, the Economic and Social Research Institute were asked to produce a detailed review of the implications of the recommendations of the NESC report on designation. This ESRI report has been completed and is currently being examined in my Department. Until this examination is completed, it would be inappropriate for me to designate any further areas in the country.