Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the latest unemployment figures for the Border counties, with special reference to Donegal, in the context of the trend over the past ten years in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30614/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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According to figures provided by the Central Statistics Office from the 1995 labour force survey and the most recent quarterly national household survey, unemployment in the Border region has dropped from 17,800 in 1995, to 10,300 in the second quarter of 2005. Over the same period, the unemployment rate for persons in the Border region has dropped from 11.4% to 4.9%. While the quarterly national household survey does not give a county breakdown, I am aware that the live register analysis figures for Donegal show a decrease from 9,432 in September 2004 to 8,586 in September 2005. Overall, I am encouraged by these figures which show ongoing positive trends.

As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my objective is to ensure that the Border region remains a globally competitive, profitable and secure location for business. We can best help enterprise by continuing to implement policies that are pro-business and by implementing the right balance of enterprise supports and at the right time to help business. When provided with the best supporting and competitive environment, business and industry will develop to capitalise on investment and growth opportunities. Developing a competitive economy, resilient to the toughest competitive pressures, is the optimal approach to sustainable employment growth both in County Donegal and the Border region as a whole. Indeed, there have been significant job announcements for County Donegal this year, with over 600 new jobs being announced in companies supported by the development agencies.