Vol. 510 No. 2
54 Ms Coughlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action, if any, she will take following the publication of the Donegal employment initiative task force report in order to create further employment in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18670/99]
The report of the Donegal task force presents a detailed analysis of the development challenge facing the county and recommends a seven year development strategy to implement the investment priorities identified. The timing of the presentation of the report enabled the investment programme which it recommended to be considered in the context of preparing the national development plan 2000 to 2006. Sustainable economic and employment growth and the promotion of balanced regional development will be among the key objectives of the national development plan. It will also include measures to tackle Ireland's infrastructural deficit as a potential major constraint on competitiveness, economic progress and social development. The report of the Donegal task force makes a wide range of recommendations which are consistent with these objectives.
On my recommendation, the Government decided that all relevant Departments should examine the report and consider the investment priorities it proposes in drafting the operational programmes of the national development plan. I will be meeting with the chairman and members of the task force shortly to discuss follow-up action on the report.
