Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2004
71 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives she proposes in order to address the incidence of unemployment in north Monaghan, particularly in the Border areas, which currently stands at 50% higher than elsewhere in the country; her strategies for job creation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18180/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the latest quarterly national household survey, published by the Central Statistics Office on 16 June 2004, the unemployment rate in the Border area is 5.4%. The corresponding figure this time last year was 6.2%. Support for job creation is a day-to-day operational matter for the industrial development agencies. Job creation and job losses are a feature of economic development worldwide as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing the area on an ongoing basis as a location for foreign direct investment, through its network of overseas offices, to secure new investment and jobs. Enterprise Ireland is working with the Armagh-Monaghan digital corridor project committee to develop these areas into a cluster of ICT-related industries. Enterprise Ireland is working closely with the furniture industry in Monaghan in areas such as design and technology. I am satisfied that a combined agency approach, including the county enterprise board and the local business community, will address job creation needs in the area.
