Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Industrial Development.

Paul McGrath

Question:

55 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policy position, if any, in relation to the grant aid available to foreign industry to locate here when the incoming industry is likely to be in competition with existing industry previously grant aided by the IDA and where the likely outcome will be the transfer of jobs from one company to another rather than the creation of new jobs. [24915/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

It is a statutory function of IDA Ireland to promote the establishment and development in the State of industrial undertakings from outside the State. The objective of IDA Ireland in providing grant assistance to projects is to generate a net increase in employment in Ireland. IDA Ireland does not, therefore, provide grant assistance to projects which are likely to displace employment in existing companies.