Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 5

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Joe Walsh

Question:

76 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the total number of jobs announced by the IDA and Forbairt in 1996; the number announced for the south-west region; and the number announced for the west Cork area. [3445/97]

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

Announcements of jobs by IDA Ireland and Forbairt in any particular year are selective and do not comprehend the full range of developments relating to job creation numbers in prospect.

In 1996, a total of 85 overseas companies indicated their intention to invest in Ireland. These companies are expected to generate 18,453 jobs over the next three to five years, with a total investment of £1,045 million. Of the 85 companies, 11 announced their intention to invest in the south-west region, with an expected job creation total of 1,496 there. However, none of these 11 announcements were for location in the west Cork area.

In replies to parliamentary questions on Tuesday last, I indicated that I have recently reinforced Government policy with the industrial development agencies on the regional distribution of employment opportunities. I also indicated that there are limitations to the extent to which that policy can be enforced nationally in relation to inward investment projects and the fact that, in the final analysis, individual foreign investors themselves decide on the particular locations which best suit their own range of requirements.

A total of 1,317 companies were approved assistance by Forbairt during 1996. These companies are expected to create 5,020 jobs over the period of their business plans. Of these, a total of 131 companies were approved assistance in the south-west region, with potential job creation of 544. Equivalent figures for the west Cork area were not available.