Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the grant aid has increased for the added-value aspect of the investment. This is important.

The dilemma we have seen in the fish processing sector, particularly in County Donegal, is that the greater the investment, the fewer the jobs. I acknowledge the argument that the remaining jobs are more sustainable but it is difficult for those who find themselves out of work because of modernisation to see where the growth in employment will take place. This is a problem with the grant aid process. Jobs are linked to announcements even when the announcement is about modernising plant and equipment rather than job creation. That is where the confusion arises among the public and the people who work in these factories. I welcome that the grant aid is being increased for added value but there needs to be a focus on creating jobs.

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