Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Nov 2000

Vol. 527 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Losses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

65 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs which have been relocated from Ireland to low wage or low inflation economies in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28126/00]

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

It is not possible for the industrial development agencies to determine the number of jobs which have been relocated to low wage or low inflation economies in any period, as statistics are not maintained in this form. However, the reasons behind specific relocations are closely examined by my Department in the context of maintaining Ireland as an attractive and competitive location for investment.

Many factors can contribute to the decision to relocate. These include wage costs, consoli dations, mergers and acquisitions, product or market developments and the range of incentive packages available. Ireland has both gained and lost from such decisions and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years with losses being counteracted by firms choosing this country as a location for certain higher value business functions.