Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Development.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

63 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures, if any, she proposes to ensure that jobs and industry located in the Border regions are protected and industrial development promoted in view of the proposals by the British Government to considerably enhance subventions and enticements to industries to locate in Northern Ireland in the context of the Northern Ireland settlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9530/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

I welcome the recent announcement of a £315 million aid package for the North with a view to boosting investment and employment in that area.

The agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations should result in economic benefits for the whole island, North and South, and perhaps more particularly for the Border region.

I am confident that in the wake of the successful outcome to the referendum the entire island will benefit from a renewed business confidence. For our part our positive business environment including costs, personal and corporate taxation and a continuing supply of appropriately skilled workers, will ensure the continued attractiveness of this State as a location for investment. The Deputy will be aware that the Border region is already receiving additional financial assistance under various programmes related to its special situation over and above the full range of national development programmes for which it is also eligible. These special programmes include the International Fund for Ireland, the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the INTERREG Programme.

The Deputy can be assured that the Government, through the appropriate State agencies, will be making every possible effort to ensure that the Border region capitalises on the potential benefits that should now become available on foot of the peace agreement.