Michael Finucane
Question:245 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the average cost of a job in the fish processing sector. [1507/98]
Written Answers. - Average Job Cost.
To date a total investment of £18.7 million, involving the maintenance of 2,250 jobs and the creation of 130 new jobs, has been approved under the processing measure of the operational programme. Investment in the early part of the programme was concentrated on upgrading facilities to meet mandatory standards set in EU Health and Hygiene Directives. This investment has, critically, maintained jobs and enhanced competitiveness to date.
The average cost of the new jobs created to date in processing development is estimated at £14,000. Further planned investment in processing development capacity expansion has the potential to create significant employment and growth and in this regard the sourcing of additional funding to support such projects is being pursued.