Vol. 511 No. 6
88 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent job survey indicates that the south-east region fares worst where job creation is concerned; and the plans, if any, she has to address this problem. [25125/99]
The latest quarterly national household survey, which was published by the Central Statistics Office on 13 October last, indicates that employment in the south-east region increased by 18,300 between the labour force survey in April 1997 and the latest QNHS survey period, March-May 1999. This represents an increase of 13.1 per cent and compares favourably to other regions outside the Dublin and mid-east regions.
I have recently completed negotiations with the European Commission on the maximum levels of grant aid which will be permitted at a regional level, with effect from the year 2000. The economic structure of the south-east and its problems were specifically recognised during these negotiations. As a result, the level of aid for the south-east has been set at the maximum allowed for a Community "C" region, that is, 20 per cent of investment costs – plus a top-up of up to 10 per cent for SMEs – and is higher than regions such as Dublin and the mid-east which have benefited comparatively better from recent economic growth.
