asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the Ross Report which specifically refers to Laois/Offaly; if so, what proposals he has to introduce further industries in Laois/Offaly so that employment may be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industrialisation.
29.
I am aware of the references to Laois/Offaly in the report to which the Deputy refers. During the past six months, projects involving a total employment of approximately 300 have commenced production in Laois/ Offaly and the Industrial Development Authority are considering further proposals for the area.
As the Deputy may have noted from the announcement made on 25th May, 1971, about the authority's interim advance factory programme, one such factory is to be located in County Laois and one in County Offaly.
The development of Counties Laois and Offaly will be incorporated in the regional industrial plan for the midlands region which is expected to be ready for publication by the end of this year.
Surely the Minister is aware there are about 2,000 people unemployed in Laois/Offaly? Jobs are only being provided for 300 so what are the remainder to do? Are they to live on pie in the sky until the Government wake up and provide something for them?
I would not accept the figures quoted by the Deputy.
We were given the figures by the Taoiseach or by his Parliamentary Secretary.
The Minister must be aware of the depressed state of the midlands or is he pretending not to be so aware?
The Deputy has already told me that he knows much more than I in relation to most matters.
In relation to warble fly.
In connection with anything one cares to mention.
Perhaps the Minister would know more about business than I. However, he must be aware of the depressed state of the midlands particularly Laois/Offaly and Longford/Westmeath.
I am aware of the situation in the midlands and I am determined to do everything I can as Minister for Industry and Commerce to rectify the situation.
Deputy L'Estrange's figures are half-baked.
If they are, they were half-baked by Deputy Andrews who gave them to us.
As the Minister is aware, the Ross Report shows the income per head of the population in Counties Laois and Offaly to be almost the lowest in the country. This was definitely stated in the report. The number of jobs——
It increased between 1961 and 1966.
We cannot have a speech. Will the Deputy please put a question?
I am aware of what the Minister states but the situation appears to have deteriorated and the proposals the Minister has put forward do not appear to be adequate. In view of this, does the Minister not consider that the Counties of Laois and Offaly should be specifically made designated areas for the attraction of industries so that the people in both Laois and Offaly might have an opportunity of securing better incomes?
I am conscious of the problems and, as I have already stated, I am determined to apply myself to endeavouring to improve the position in that area.
I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with Deputy Enright.