Austin Deasy
Ceist:14 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has definite targets for job creation and if so, if he will give a break-down on the projections for the public and private sectors.
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:19 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of permanent jobs he anticipates for 1993 arising from actions taken, or proposed, in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 together.
As set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government I intend to stengthen Ireland's industrial, scientific and exporting base, in line with the recommendations of the Culliton report, to increase the level of directly productive activity and encourage a dynamic spirit of enterprise. I envisage a broadening of industrial strategy to take in all the factors that affect output and productivity, including the fuller development of our human skills. I intend to put a new emphasis on building up small industry and the productive use of indigenous resources, such as food processing and timber processing.
My main priority as Minister will be to build a stronger industrial base which can make a bigger contribution to employment and provide a more secure basis for building increased national prosperity.
As a result of these policies, I envisage that approximately 20,000 new jobs will be created this year in manufacturing and international services industry.
In addition, as set out in the Programme for Government, a Community Development Programme for the long term unemployed will be put into operation by the County Enterprise Partnership Boards across the country which will identify projects for improving their own areas. European Community support will be sought for this programme and the aim will be to move towards a participation level of 30,000 each year.