Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 7

Written Answers - EU Funding.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

61 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications of the Government decision of 17 November 1998, dividing the country in two for the purpose of the next round of EU Structural Funds, on the level of support to enterprise in the two areas involved; the steps, if any, she will take to attract industries to unemployment blackspots outside of the proposed Objective One area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25994/98]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of 3 November.

The real challenge in relation to unemployment blackspots, is to ensure that unemployed persons can avail of job opportunities in their home areas or elsewhere. My reply to a question from Deputy McDowell outlines our approach in this area.

Even with an Objective One area, the development agencies will still be able to offer assistance to enterprises in the rest of the State, subject of course to the limits of the regional aid guidelines. The Deputy will appreciate that grant levels are but one factor in a decision on where to locate or establish an enterprise. Issues such as the availability of adequate and appropriate skills, sub-suppliers, and good economic infrastructure are also very important. The relative importance of these will vary in importance from one project to another.