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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent job survey indicates that the south east region fares worst where unemployment is concerned; and the plans, if any, she has to address the problem. [21979/99]

The latest quarterly national household survey which was published by the Central Statistics Office on 13 October last indicates that the unemployment rate for the south east had declined from 11.3% recorded in the April 1997 labour force survey to 8.4% in the latest quarterly national household survey. This was the second lowest unemployment rate among the regions.

I have recently completed negotiations with the European Commission on the maximum levels of grant aid which will be permitted at a regional level, with effect from the year 2000. The economic structure of the south east and its problems were specifically recognised during these negotiations. As a result, the level of aid for the south east has been set at the maximum allowed for a Community "C" region and is higher than regions such as Dublin and the mid east which have benefited comparatively better from recent economic growth.
In the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan, the Government is finalising the range of public investments which will be made to improve prosperity and regional attractiveness across the country. The Government is very aware that prosperity from recent economic growth has been experienced somewhat unevenly in different regions. The significant infrastructure, human resource, enterprise and social investments planned for the next seven years are designed to rebalance regional growth and employment rates.
However, it must be emphasised that while the State can provide a catalyst to growth through investments under the National Development Plan, building soundly based regional attractiveness and prosperity very much depends on the local response and use of these investments.
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