James Leonard
Question:53 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the number of additional jobs created in the six Border counties in the tourism industry since the ceasefire in October 1994. [4438/97]
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
At a national level, Bord Fáilte estimates that direct and indirect employment in tourism has grown from 94,000 in 1994 to 107,000 in 1996, a rise of 13,000, which exceeds the end-1996 target set by the operational programme for tourism. However, such estimates are not compiled on a regional basis and it is not possible, therefore, to provide details of tourism employment growth on a regional basis or in specific county groupings.
In its 1996 manpower survey, however, CERT surveyed a somewhat broader group incorporating those employed in the tourism and catering industries generally, including the licensed trade — the last such survey was done in 1992. In its 1992 survey CERT estimated that 14,705 persons were engaged in the tourism and catering industries, including the licensed trade, in the north west region which, at that time, excluded County Louth. At the end of 1996, the CERT survey showed that there are 21,794 in the extended Border region, including County Louth.