James Leonard
Question:325 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of the 30 new teleservicing operations which received start-up assistance from the IDA that are sited in the Border counties. [14262/96]
Written Answers. - Teleservicing Employment.
Robert Molloy
Question:337 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, he is taking to promote telemarketing employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14230/96]
James Leonard
Question:338 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of persons employed in teleservicing and telework operations; and the prospects, if any, for expansion in this area. [14273/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 337 and 338 together.
The importance of telemarketing to Ireland was first recognised in 1992 when a target to create 2,000 jobs in this sector, between 1993 and 1997, was set.
When I last answered a similar question on 21 November 1995, 20 telemarketing projects had been established employing over 1,300 people. Now, there are more than 30 telemarketing operations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dundalk and Wicklow employing over 2,000 people.
The initial target of 2,000 jobs has now been exceeded. Indeed, I am anxious to ensure that Ireland continues to maximise the job potential from telemarketing and that the operations are spread as widely as possible throughout the country. To date, one project has located in the Border countries. This is the National Pen project in Dundalk which currently employs 11 people.
I am hopeful that many more telemarking projects will come on stream and that the regional spread of such projects can be maintained.