I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 26 and 110 together.
The IDA advises me on a regular basis of impending job losses and rationalisation plans in grant-assisted multinational corporations operating in Ireland.
Where rationalisation involving a substantial reduction in employment in its Irish plant is contemplated by a multinational company in order to secure the continuation of the Irish operation, I am prepared to provide very possible assistance to find a solution which will not result in a decrease in employment. Where necessary, especially where substantial reductions in employment are being considered, I am prepared to meet senior management of the companies concerned to explore all options for retaining and securing the maximum number of jobs in Ireland.
While rationalisation and restructuring of manufacturing operations in Ireland are a consequence of international competition, so too are the expansion and development of the Irish operations of multinational companies operating successfully here. This is evidenced by the fact that multinational corporations are currently employing some 92,000 Irish workers at their Irish locations. Last year, more than 6,000 first-time jobs were created here by overseas companies.
Over the past two years, multinational corporations operating in Ireland had 89 expansion projects approved and 188 greenfield projects were also approved for overseas companies in various locations outside the Shannon free zone.
In addition to the 92,000 direct jobs, multinational companies operating here also make a significant contribution in supporting jobs throughout the economy through their purchases of Irish materials and services, the value of which now amounts to £2.4 billion annually. The national linkage programme is aimed at maximising the job creation impact of multinational company activity in Ireland by promoting closer links between multinational plants and indigenous suppliers.