Rory O'Hanlon
Question:489 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of overseas jobs which were established in 1996; and the number established in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [1431/97]
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
Rory O'Hanlon
Question:490 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of overseas jobs lost in counties Monaghan and Cavan in 1996. [1435/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
In 1996, the preliminary figure for new overseas jobs created nationally by IDA Ireland and Forbairt was 14,081. Of these, 22 were created in County Cavan and 25 in County Monaghan.
The number of overseas jobs lost in County Cavan in 1996 is estimated at 84 and those in County Monaghan at 23.
It is clear from these figures that, despite the best efforts of the agencies concerned, Cavan and Monaghan have not attracted a sufficient share of overseas investment in recent years.
I made particular reference to the need to address the regional spread of such investments in my recent address to the IDA's annual staff conference, and am satisfied that they will maximise their efforts, in conjunction with local interests, and the local authorities in particular, in this regard.
In the final analysis, however, it is the incoming investor who decides where to locate by reference to the specific needs of the enterprise in question.