Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the job creation needs of Tallaght; the concerns in Tallaght at recent job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am very much aware of the jobs situation in Tallaght. The industrial development agencies are continuing to market the Tallaght area for new jobs and investment. Tallaght benefits from having a third level Institute — the Tallaght Institute of Technology — and excellent infrastructural facilities at City West and Grange Castle in Clondalkin.

Wyeth Biopharma has approximately 700 people employed 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 — 460 jobs — AOL Technologies Ireland Ltd. — 204 jobs — and Colgate-Palmolive Support Services — 80 jobs — are providing locally accessible employment opportunities.

Following an agreement last year, Enterprise Ireland is supporting the development of business incubation space at the institute of technology. This facility is expected to generate quality start up enterprises. The development agencies continue to work with existing companies to assist them to move up the value chain and increase employment potential. Companies who have availed of this process, with financial assistance from IDA Ireland, include Sage and Xilinx in City West.

Job losses and job gains have always been, and will continue to be, part of the economic landscape, but our overall unemployment rate is among the lowest in Europe. In the case of job losses, the full services of FÁS, particularly in relation to re-training and up-skilling, 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.

I am satisfied that the strong infrastructural support already in place, including the opening of the Luas, will continue to attract jobs to Tallaght and the surrounding area.