Written Answers. - Job Losses.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:
154
Mr. Broughan
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the number of redundancies notified to her Department during 2000, 2001, 2002 and to date in 2003; the steps being taken to deal with the sharp increase in redundancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[4421/03]
The numbers of redundancies notified to my Department in the period mentioned by the Deputy are as follows:
|
2000
|
13,316
|
|
2001
|
19,828
|
|
2002
|
25,238
|
|
2003 (to end-January)
|
2,155
|
The increased level of job losses experienced over recent months are a reflection of slower economic activity experienced in Ireland in line with deteriorating global economic conditions. They are not due to any underlying weakness in the Irish economy. Domestic economic conditions remained robust throughout 2002, and while GNP figures for 2002 represented a slowdown from 2001, growth was still running at more than twice the EU average.
Where job losses occur, or where we become aware that particular companies are experiencing competitive difficulties, the agencies of my Department are available to work, together with other local bodies and interests, to address with the companies involved the difficulties arising, and to provide any assistance possible to the workers affected.
These agencies are also continuing to have considerable success, in the current difficult international environment, both in the creation of new jobs and in assisting companies to move to higher value activities or otherwise develop their operations. Based on figures supplied through Forfás, gross job gains in 2002 in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, and enterprise boards amounted to 35,623.
The international economic environment is likely to remain challenging in the near term due to a number of factors, including continuing weaker than expected global demand, volatile stock markets and, not least, rising international geo-political risks. Against this background, issues which threaten to erode Ireland's competitiveness on the international stage will continue to be the focus of Government attention. In particular it is crucial that we prevent high levels of inflation becoming embedded in the economy.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 133.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 149.
