Ivan Yates
Question:100 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific plans she has for the protection of jobs in the textile industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23240/01]
Written Answers. - Textile Industry.
Ivan Yates
Question:105 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to concerns and difficulties being experienced in the textile industry based in regions designated as priority areas by Government for the development of employment; the plans she has for the protection and maintenance of the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23241/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 105 together.
The textile sector has been under severe pressure for a number of years. Jobs within the sector have reduced despite positive growth elsewhere. Competitiveness and the availability of skilled labour are the major obstacles.
Enterprise Ireland has more than 160 client companies working in the clothing and textile sector. However, the industry needs to make some changes in regard to the type of product being offered. To remain competitive the industry needs a higher value added product to sell into niche markets for higher margins. Enterprise Ireland is already promoting this concept to all its client companies.
All Enterprise Ireland supports are available to companies within the clothing and textiles sector. Specific supports are dependent on client needs and are becoming more focused on capability building within companies that is training and management development. Enterprise Ireland also offers a range of market development supports as well as financial assistance.
Assistance is designed to be as flexible and responsive as possible. This can range from finding a designer to work with a company to marketing support to ensure companies are targeting their products for the market. Overall, supports are available in strategy management, production and operations, design, marketing and finance.
We are already seeing some examples of the success of this strategy in the regions. County Donegal is one case in point where the majority of Enterprise Ireland companies have found a balance between producing high quality niche products in small volumes in Ireland and outsourcing their large volume orders from lower cost countries. This balance is necessary for any manufacturing company to survive in the competitive market place today.
The textile sector is very much in an era of change but I am satisfied the actions we have taken and will continue to take will address the problems.