asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious unemployment position in Killarney and east Kerry; and the proposals, if any, before his Department to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Unemployment.
26.
I am aware of the unemployment situation in the areas referred to by the Deputy. The Industrial Development Authority have informed me that they have been in negotiation with an overseas industrialist who has expressed an interest in establishing a project in Killarney which would have a substantial employment content. A firm decision on whether or not to proceed with this project will be made by the promoter later in the year. The authority have also assured me that they are ready to support with their normal range of incentives any suitable new project proposed for this part of the country by local or outside industrialists.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether, apart from the British proposals, there are any other proposals for the east Kerry and Killarney area where there is substantial unemployment at the moment and where there is no opportunity whatsoever for school leavers now and in the immediate future?
There certainly are problems in the area but, relatively speaking, the Killarney area has not been doing that badly. There has been a decline in the number of people employed there, between 1st January, 1975, and 1st January, 1976, but it is a lower decline than has obtained in other places. However, I will direct the IDA's attention to the Deputy's remarks.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the proposed industry would provide male or female employment? Is he aware that there is grave need for an industry to cater for male employment in the area?
The information I have about the industry does not indicate whether it would be male or female employment. It gives a figure of approximately 300 people but does not state the sex.