Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, has good news for me too. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this issue. In the three years I have been a Member of the House, I have often raised issues relating to my constituency. I remind colleagues I represent Dublin South-West which embraces Brittas, Firhouse, Templeogue, Greenhills and, of course, Tallaght.

Tallaght has become the third largest population centre in the country. We often talk about Tallaght and the fact it has the population of a city but the status of a village. Since the Square opened on 23 October 1990, the situation has changed dramatically in Tallaght. The Ceann Comhairle does not like me reminding him but he played a significant role in that regard when, as a former Minister for Health, he progressed Tallaght hospital which will celebrate its seventh birthday this year.

I invite all colleagues to visit Tallaght, in particular the Minister of State. One can travel to Tallaght quite easily now on the good roads and on the excellent Luas. I have a problem with the bus service but that is an issue for another occasion. In Tallaght, one will see all the facilities one would expect in a major population centre. We have the council headquarters, the district library, the hospital, which I already mentioned, the Square with more than 128 shops, seven major stores and 12 cinemas and the institute of technology which provides great opportunities for people and works with local second level schools.

It is important I am positive about Tallaght. Tallaght has a large and young population. We estimate there are approximately 25,000 young people in all the excellent schools in Tallaght. One must understand, therefore, that we are entitled to fight as hard as we must with all the other centres in respect of job creation.

Unfortunately, in recent times, there have been job losses in Tallaght and this Adjournment debate highlights the fact that while we welcome the reorganisation of the Jacobs Fruitfield plant, it has led to the shedding of 40 jobs. That is something which concerns us. It is not just a numbers game. If one understands the point I made about the population and the age profile, Tallaght needs more jobs and not fewer. Each time we lose jobs, things become much more difficult.

It is important the Minister, the Department and particularly the State agencies charged with the responsibility of bringing jobs to our country understand that Tallaght must fight its corner. It is important Tallaght gets more job announcements rather than job loss announcements. This Adjournment debate aims to highlight that.

Will the Minister of State convey to his colleague, the Minister, Deputy Martin, the need to take a particular interest in Tallaght? I have no argument with any other part of the country but there is a case to be made for Tallaght. If one looks at the figures in respect of Tallaght, it is a well-worn path as far as the Department's considerations are concerned. It is very important something definite is done. I hope there are no more job losses in Tallaght and I applaud the various employers there and the chamber of commerce which does a tremendous job.

Tallaght is a great and positive place and is a good location for employers. The Minister of State would be very welcome if he would like to take up my invitation to visit Tallaght. I would be happy to show him around and show him all the positive things, particularly the Garda station which needs redevelopment. The Taoiseach is visiting on Friday, so the Minister of State would be very welcome. I hope he takes account of what I have said. Tallaght needs jobs and not job losses.

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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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.