asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is expected to be a considerable increase in automation in Irish industry over the next few years; and, if so, how this will affect the level of employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Industry Automation.
14.
It is accepted that there is a general trend towards increased mechanisation of industrial operations and this trend is bound to affect Irish industry. It is not possible to indicate the extent of this development or its effect on employment. It is expected that any loss of employment due to this cause will be more than offset by new jobs created by fresh investment in industry.
Is the Minister then satisfied that the IDA programme adopted by the previous Government is now beginning to pay off so that the amount of redundancy will be reduced and the new jobs will absorb those who became redundant if not bring about an increase in employment?
I have difficulty in answering that confused question except to reiterate what I said in my original answer.