asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is planning any new initiatives to stimulate the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Economic Stimulus.
45.
The Programme for National Recovery sets out the strategy and initiatives that are being taken by the Government to stimulate the economy up to the end of 1990. A detailed progress report on the job creation initiatives was published by the programme's Central Review Committee in December 1988. On Monday last, I convened a forum of 33 Irish industrialists to encourage them to undertake new initiatives to create wealth and jobs in Ireland. I secured an undertaking from them to review their overall activities with a view to identifying employment bearing opportunities in Ireland. The State promotional agencies will be in touch with each company individually to see what progress can be made and are to report back to me by the end of March.
A number of new initiatives which will help stimulate the economy were announced last week by the Minister for Finance. In so far as the work of my Department is concerned an additional £11.5 million is being provided for industrial promotion and for measures to support the marketing and technological development of Irish industry.
In particular I would draw attention to the £3.5 million special development programme which will be undertaken to create new job opportunities in the Tallaght area. A new 40,000 sq. ft. special advance factory and a special enterprise centre dedicated to the textile and clothing industry will be developed as well as measures to improve the facilities available in the Whitestown Industrial Estate.
Furthermore, I will shortly be announcing an initiative designed to meet the target of 3,000 jobs by 1992, set in the programme, for the Irish-owned electronics industry. This initiative will involve co-ordinated efforts by the principal State agencies to encourage and assist Irish-owned electronics companies to achieve substantial growth by exploiting opportunities in the international electronics market. Further sectoral strategies and initiatives in other areas will be launched through the year.