John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 223: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 3.97% of the total on the unemployed live register are from Waterford city and county, while 2.59% of the population of the State live in the city and county of Waterford; his views on whether this represents a 50% greater level of unemployment in Waterford than the national average and that it requires urgent attention; the measures he proposes to tackle this unacceptable situation in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The live register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers as well as seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit. Unemployment is measured by the quarterly national household survey, or QNHS. The QNHS shows that since 1997 unemployment in the south-east region has fallen in line with the decrease in unemployment across the country. In addition, employment in the region has increased by approximately 39%, or 58,200 jobs, over the same period. This compares favourably with the national increase of 35%.

The latest available job vacancy data indicates that the demand for labour in Waterford remains strong with recruitment advertisements in January 2006, 38% higher than January 2005. This strong demand for labour in Waterford reflects the continuing national pattern of significant job vacancies.

The agencies under the aegis of my Department continue to place considerable emphasis on the creation and retention of employment in Waterford. IDA Ireland is seeking to develop Waterford city as the gateway location for the south east in overseas investment. As part of the process of developing the capabilities of the city, IDA works very closely with its partners such as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, WIT and a range of private sector interests who supply business support services to the city.

The IDA strategy for the south east involves the development of a knowledge-based economy so that the region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. The key greenfield sectors being targeted are pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, ICT and international financial services. The profile of industry in Waterford has been changing over the last few years with companies such as Genzyme, Sun Life and AOL investing in these newer knowledge based services.

In 2005, BISYS hedge fund services established a new operation in the city, with the support of the IDA, which will create 250 new highly skilled, knowledge based jobs over the next five years. In the period 2000 to 2004, the latest date for which IDA figures are available, employment in IDA supported companies in Waterford county has increased by 18.6%, or 873 persons. County data for 2005 will be available from the IDA at the end of February.

Enterprise Ireland reports that in 2005 there was a net loss of jobs in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Waterford of 433. The major contributor to this figure was the loss of 380 jobs in Waterford Crystal in Dungarvan. From the beginning of 2003 to date, Enterprise Ireland approved support of over €8.2 million and made payments of over €8 million in County Waterford to support investment in areas such as research and development, capability building and process development.

Enterprise Ireland has provided other supports, including funding for the development of 13 community enterprise centres in the south-east region over the past ten years, four of which are in County Waterford. The aim of these centres is to promote the development of commercial enterprises in local areas. Through its employment offices and training centres, FÁS actively engages with job seekers and those on the live register in the provision of training and job placement.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the agencies, together with the ongoing commitment of the Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of investment and jobs for the south east in general and County Waterford in particular.