Donegal South-West): Ba mhaith liom leathscéal a ghabháil thar ceann an Aire Fiontraíochta agus Fostaíochta os rud é nach bhfuil sé ar a chumas bheith anseo anocht. The Minister does not have any plans to carry out a review of the IDA's operations in Cork. He is satisfied that the Authority is doing everything possible to assist in the development of indigenous industries and the attraction of overseas investment to the Cork area.
The Deputy will be aware that decisions regarding the location of projects are ultimately made by intending investors following detailed examination of potential sites throughout Ireland.
In deciding on a location, a number of factors are taken into consideration by the promoters, such as availability of port facilities, access to rail and road networks, proximity to European markets, availability of appropriate skills and the location of sources of raw materials. The Minister is satisfied that, as a general rule, Cork compares favourably with other parts of the country in so far as the above criteria are concerned. Indeed, since 1987 Cork has secured a reasonable share of the overseas projects which have been won for Ireland.
The city of Cork is home to a number of significant overseas-owned companies, including Apple Computer Ltd., and Bourns Electronics Ireland, which together employ in excess of 1,500 people.
There have been 91 site visits to the Cork area so far this years, compared to 97 visits for the same period last year. However, the number of return visits by intending promoters is twice what it was last year.
Both Cork city and the Cork region in general are home to a number of developing Irish companies. The trend in small business in Cork is upward, despite some inevitable closures. In 1992, small business contributed significantly to job creation in Cork.
Following the enactment of the Industrial Development Act, 1993, work is now underway to complete the preparation of the restructuring of the IDA and EOLAS. The Government intends that the new agencies, FORFÁS, FORBAIRT and IDA Ireland, will commence operations at the beginning of next year.
FORFÁS will provide overall policy advice and co-ordination, FORBAIRT will concentrate on indigenous industry and IDA Ireland will focus on overseas industry. However, the establishment of the new agencies is not being done in isolation. It forms part of our overall strategy, as contained in the document. Employment through Enterprise, which sets out a comprehensive approach to the generation of industrial development and job creation.
The fundamental thrust of the agency restructuring is to recognise that the developmental needs of indigenous and overseas firms are different. While our financial and taxation incentives are the main vehicle for attracting overseas firms to Ireland, indigenous companies need far more direct assistance in areas like management, technology and finance.
A significant, and increasing, amount of State support for small business is already provided in the management development, R & D and feasibility study areas. Such grant support is designed to help companies become more competitive and better positioned to meet future challenges.
The State agencies are working closely with local communities to develop enterprise and to create jobs in Cork city. In the case of the IDA specifically, their marketing efforts have been enhanced with the addition of a new promotional video on the region, sponsored by AIB, and a new regional map which has been sponsored by Bank of Ireland. I would like to pay tribute to both banks for their sponsorship of these important initiatives.
There is a strong regional dimension to our industrial policy, with regions seeking to maximize development in those areas where they have a comparative advantage. As Deputy O'Keeffe is aware, Cork is home to a number of high technology projects. The Cork Business and Technology Park at the Model Farm Road is being developed as a prestige location for high technology industry and will enhance Cork's prospects for further high technology projects in the future. The first phase of the development, a 40 acre landscaped site, one mile from University College, Cork, and within walking distance of the Cork Regional Technical College, EOLAS, FÁS and IDA's regional office. A further 80 acres, owned by Cork Corporations, will be developed by the IDA in a similar style to accommodate complementary industries.
Ten per cent of the national software industry is based in Cork. Of the 25 firms in the region which have received grant assistance, 19 are Irish owned. I am pleased that the IDA has allocated a staff member in Cork to deal specifically with the development of the software industry in the area.
Cork remains one of the most attractive locations for the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Much attention has been devoted to the environmental issue in Cork. I assure Deputy O'Keeffe that the Government is determined that all chemical and pharmaceutical plants in the Cork region will operate to the highest national and international standards.
The IDA and FÁS are represented on all four county enterprise boards in Cork, including the Cork City board. The county enterprise initiative is now up and running, following a period which necessitated a wide range of consultation with a great many interests at national and local level. The initiative will promote job creation and will aim to do so by providing funding support for small enterprise development. The Government is determined to achieve our objective of developing indigenous resources to the fullest possible extent.
The full range of FÁS services is available in Cork with the employment services office providing a placement service for employers and unemployed persons seeking employment. That office also administers the various employment schemes, such as the social employment scheme, which is directed at the long term unemployed. The training centre provides the usual range of training courses directed at the long term unemployed and early school leavers.
As I said at the outset, the Minister is satisfied that the IDA is doing everything possible to assist in the development of indigenous industries and the attraction of overseas investment to the Cork area.
I will bring Deputy O'Keeffe's views to the attention of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment.
