Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 3

Written Answers. - Overseas Jobs.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

165 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the total number of overseas jobs created to date in 1995; the number of jobs provided in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he has satisfied himself with this number in two Border counties in view of the commitment to economic development in the Border region; the steps, if any, he will take to improve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18113/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

Thr total number of new overseas jobs created between January and September 1995 — the latest date for which figures are available — is 8,832. There were 29 new overseas jobs created in Cavan and nine new overseas jobs created in Monaghan for the same period.

The small number of overseas jobs that have been created in counties Monaghan and Cavan since the beginning of this year is, of course, disappointing, and is largely due to the fact that no new overseas industries have been established in those counties this year. I should stress in this regard, however, that project location decisions are a matter for decision by the companies themselves, and that their decisions are influenced by a variety of factors outside the control of the agencies coming under the remit of my Department.

I must also add that negotiations between these agencies and individual promoters is a matter for the day to day administration of the agencies themselves and not one in which I have a specific function.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland will continue to promote the Cavan and Monaghan areas for mobile investment and I am sure that the economic benefits arising out of the peace process will contribute to the development of those counties in this regard.