Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy O'Connor for raising this matter. He reminds me a little of the new sports advertisement for a particular drink whereby each time one takes a swig, one gets an extra €500. I think he used the word "Tallaght" about 35 times. We are in no doubt about where the Deputy comes from and where he stands on the issue.

Between 35 and 40 redundancies are being sought by the Jacobs Fruitfield Food Group as part of a programme to secure its future. I understand the company hopes to achieve the redundancies on a voluntary basis. A restructuring process is being implemented as part of an overall programme to improve efficiencies and I understand it will involve significant changes in work practices which are necessary to help ensure the continuation of manufacturing at the group's Belgard Road biscuit plant. The consolidation of production is expected to result in a more efficient and competitive biscuit manufacturing operation which will secure the long-term future of the company. The overall group employs 550 people, including 394 at the biscuit plant.

The industrial development agencies continue to market the Tallaght area for new jobs and investment. IDA Ireland's strategy for the Tallaght area is to attract and expand major foreign direct investment projects. Tallaght continues to be actively marketed by IDA Ireland to potential investors and is well equipped to compete with other areas for potential foreign direct investment. Tallaght benefits from having a third level institute, the Institute of Technology Tallaght, and excellent infrastructural facilities nearby at City West and Grange Castle in Clondalkin.

Wyeth Biopharma employs approximately 700 people in Clondalkin and this figure is expected to rise to 1,300 by the end of the year. The Japanese pharmaceuticals company, Takeda Chemical Industries, which will employ 60 people, has also begun construction in Clondalkin. At City West, project developments by SAP Support Services, AOL Technologies Ireland Limited and Colgate-Palmolive Support Services employ 460, 204 and 80 people, respectively, and they provide locally accessible employment opportunities.

Following agreement last year, Enterprise Ireland is supporting the development of business incubation space at the Institute of Technology Tallaght. This facility is expected to generate quality start-up enterprises emanating from college research. The development agencies continue to work with existing companies to assist them to move up the value chain and increase employment potential. IDA Ireland provides financial assistance to companies in this regard and companies like Colgate Palmolive and Xilinx in City West have availed of the incentives. The involvement of companies in research and development and assistance for research and development are vital for further growth.

Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new high potential start up companies which possess the capability of rapid growth in employment and exports, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the capability of companies through its strong support of research both in the companies themselves and in third level institutions.

To increase employment in Tallaght, Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the local county enterprise board over recent years to plan, fund and construct four community enterprise centres in Tallaght. These centres provide incubation space for start-ups and micro-enterprises and also provide ancillary services such as training, mentoring and customised courses to address the needs of the local clients.

In the case of job losses, the full services of FÁS, particularly in regard to retraining and upskilling, are made available to any workers who wish to avail of those services. In addition, FÁS provides a vocational guidance and referral service to all job seekers in the Tallaght area, In the particular case in question, arrangements have already been made by FÁS to contact the company.

Job losses and job gains have always been, and will continue to be, part of the economic landscape. However, overall our unemployment rate is among the lowest in Europe. In that context, the latest Central Statistics Office live register analysis shows that those claiming unemployment benefit in Tallaght fell to 3,279 in April 2005 from 3,513 in April last year, a drop of 234 people.

I assure the Deputy that the State development agencies under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will continue to work closely together and with local interests in promoting Tallaght for job creation and investment. I am satisfied the strong infrastructural supports already in place, including the opening of the Luas, will continue to attract investment and jobs to Tallaght and the surrounding areas.

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