Vol. 446 No. 4
81 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the proposals, if any, he has to establish a task force to tackle the special employment problems of the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1268/94]
In view of the redundancies at Irish Steel which result from the rationalisation which has taken place at the plant in order to secure its future, the Government has decided to establish "Cobh Area Response". I have asked Mr. Pat Dineen, the current Executive Chairman of Irish Steel, to head up the group which will be representative of the Department of Enterprise and Employment, other State organisations and local interests.
Cobh Area Response will be charged with devising and implementing an integrated development plan with the target of achieving the maximum number of new jobs for the Cobh and lower Cork Harbour area. The group will build on the energy and drive of local groups and interests in identifying and progressing development projects. The terms of reference of the Cobh and Harbour Area Response Group are as follows:—
To propose to the Minister for Enterprise and Employment measures that will offset the economic and employment effects on the area of the restructuring in Irish Steel.
The group met officially on Monday, 24 October last.
In addition, the county enterprise boards should help fill any gaps which become apparent in the support services for local enterprises initiatives. They can bring a variety of interests together to set objectives for promoting enterprise in their areas, prepare a strategic plan and provide assistance to small enterprise projects which can yield a cost effective return in terms of job creation.
