Vol. 458 No. 5
173 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the sectors where employment decline is predicted; the proposals, if any, he has to protect jobs in these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17312/95]
In general, industrial sectors which are labour intensive, for example clothing and textiles and sub-sectors in areas such as electronic and automotive components, are at greater risk of employment decline because of cost competitive pressures, especially from lower cost locations in Europe and elsewhere.
The industrial development agencies administer a wide range of support programmes to facilitate restructuring and repositioning by firms in vulnerable industries with a view to meeting increasing cost and other competition and, consequently, to safeguard employment and minimise potential job losses. Programmes by the agencies to assist such industry include R and D and innovation, capability development in management, marketing, training and other areas, quality and sub-supply to multinational firms. These programmes are being regularly reviewed and refined to meet the changing requirements in the marketplace.
