Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 9

Written Answers. - Industry Statistics.

Jim Higgins

Question:

23 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of industries which ceased production during (1) 1990 and (2) up to and including the latest available date in 1991; the number of such industries which received grant-aid from the Industrial Development Authority and the amounts of moneys involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

The IDA carry out an employment survey on 1 November each year which covers manufacturing and internationally traded services only. The survey is based on locations of individual production units of campanies. In this regard the Deputy will no doubt be aware that some companies can have a number of production units.

Based on the surveys carried out in 1990 and 1991, the following is the information requested by the Deputy: Of 6,702 production units surveyed in 1990, 403 ceased operation during the year. Of these 257 received grant payments from IDA amounting to £32.15 million in total in their life span. Of 6,582 production units surveyed in 1991, 441 ceased operation during the year. Of these 441 received grant payments from IDA amounting to £33.78 million in total in their life span.

I would stress that the 1991 information is based on preliminary results. It does not follow that all grant payments made are necessarily lost on such cessers of productions.