Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 4

Written Answers. - Targets of Programme for National Recovery.

John Bruton

Question:

63 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give a breakdown on the achievement of the targets for 1,000 extra jobs in the tool-making industry in paragraph 16 of the Programme for National Recovery; the number employed in this sector in (1) 1987 and (2) at the latest date for which figures are available; and his views on whether job creation in this sector has lived up to the targets agreed for it between the Government and the social partners in 1987.

John Bruton

Question:

64 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give a breakdown on the achievement of the targets for 3,000 extra jobs in the automotive components industry in paragraph 16 of the Programme for National Recovery; the number employed in this sector in (1) 1987 and (2) at the latest date for which figures are available; and his views on whether job creation in this sector has lived up to the targets agreed for it between the Government and the social partners in 1987.

John Bruton

Question:

65 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give a breakdown on the achievement of the targets for 3,000 extra jobs in the electronics industry in section V, paragraph 16 of the Programme for National Recovery; the number employed in this sector in (1) 1987 and (2) at the latest date for which figures are available; and his views on whether job creation in this sector has lived up to the targets agreed for it between the Government and the social partners in 1987.

John Bruton

Question:

66 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give a breakdown on the achievement of the targets for 3,500 extra jobs in the clothing industry in section V, paragraph 16 of the Programme for National Recovery; the number employed in this sector in (1) 1987 and (2) at the latest date for which figures are available; and his views on whether job creation in this sector has lived up to the targets agreed for it between the Government and the social partners in 1987.

John Bruton

Question:

67 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give a breakdown on the achievement of the targets for 1,000 extra jobs in the crafts products industry in paragraph 16 of the Programme for National Recovery; the number employed in this sector in (1) 1987 and (2) at the latest date for which figures are available; and his views on whether job creation in this sector has lived up to the targets agreed for it between the Government and the social partners in 1987.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67 together.

In the Programme for National Recovery, the objective of policy in manufacturing industry involved creating approximately 20,000 extra jobs on average over a ten year period.

This target was fully achieved over the three year period 1988-90.

The programme identified a number of specific sub-sectors which had potential for developing job opportunities in manufacturing. Indications were given of possible job targets which could be attained, some over a five to eight year period. These targets were based on various assumptions which were of course subject to the normal fluctuations of a market economy and could only be regarded as being indicative in nature.

Notwithstanding this qualification, progress has been achieved in regard to the specific sectors identified in the programme. In the tool-making area, the targetted growth was spread over a five to eight year period and there has been steady growth which is likely to continue over the coming years.

As regard automotive components, strenuous efforts have been made over the past four years to impress upon Japanese manufacturers the need to invest both directly and indirectly in Ireland through the establishment of manufacturing operations and through purchasing Irish made auto components. We will continue to pursue all possible means to bring this about. Job creation in this sector has been buoyant and the target of 3,000 is within reach.

The electronics industry have also experienced positive growth and the targets of the programme are being achieved. Certain pressures caused by the war in the Gulf and a shake out in the mini-computer sector are now being felt in this industry but it is hoped that these will not appreciably affect job creation potential.

The target for the clothing industry of 3,500 has been more than achieved while job creation in the crafts product sectors continues to show a positive trend.