I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 159, inclusive, together.
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. It is therefore not possible to provide information for individual locations throughout the country. The information is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. Information on individual companies is not disclosed for reasons of client confidentiality.
The survey shows that in 2008 the total number of new jobs created in IDA Ireland supported companies in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary was 438 while the number of jobs lost was 754. A breakdown by county is set out in the attached tabular statement.
The marketing of individual areas, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for IDA Ireland and not one in which I have a function.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that during 2007, the Agency hosted 34 itineraries by potential investors to Limerick and 5 to Clare. In 2008, there were 9 itineraries to Limerick and 2 to Clare. The Agency has informed me there have been no such site visits to North Tipperary during 2007 or 2008.
While IDA Ireland can and does encourage clients to visit particular locations, the final decision on where to visit or locate is taken in all cases by the clients.
Table showing the numbers of jobs created and lost in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary in IDA supported companies in 2008.
County
|
Limerick
|
Clare
|
North Tipperary
|
Total
|
New Jobs
|
286
|
139
|
13
|
438
|
Job Losses
|
694
|
14
|
46
|
754
|