Vol. 509 No. 3
108 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of special jobs task forces in existence; the action she and State agencies under the aegis of her Department are taking to liaise with these task forces; when each task force will report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20238/99]
The following special jobs task forces are currently in existence: North Mayo Enterprise Initiative; Donegal Employment Initiative; Mullingar Inter-Agency Task Force; Limerick Inter-Agency Task Force; Longford Inter-Agency Task Force; Ballinrobe Inter-Agency Task Force; Laois Inter-Agency Task Force; North Tipperary Enterprise Initiative; Wexford Enterprise Initiative.
The State's enterprise development agencies are represented on each of these groups, and progress reports are made to my Department on a regular basis. The main focus is on attracting replacement industry, encouraging the establishment of new enterprises, assisting in the expansion of existing industry and providing re-training where appropriate for workers affected by industrial closures. A number of task forces have submitted final reports and others will do so in due course.
