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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Industry Statistics.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

7 Mr. Deasy asked the Taoiseach the number of people employed in the food industry in (a) 1987 and (b) 1990.

The number of persons engaged in the food industry was estimated to be 37,000 in mid-September 1987 and 36,600 according to the provisional estimates for mid-September 1990. These estimates are derived from the results of the quarterly industrial inquiry conducted by the Central Statistics Office.

May I ask a supplementary question?

This is essentially a statistical question and the Chair takes a strong view that matters pertaining to policy should not arise.

I will ask a brief supplementary. Given the emphasis which the Fianna Fáil Government and the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Coalition Government placed on job creation in the food sector, is the Minister of State satisfied that they will now achieve the targets for job creation in that sector?

We are now entering the area of policy.

Policy gone wrong.

These are merely provisional figures but there has been a gross job creation increase in that area.

I am surprised at that response.

There are other factors, as I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, but there has been a gross increase in newly created jobs in the food sector.

We now come to questions nominated for priority to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

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