Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement regarding the serious unemployment that exists in Tralee town and the action he will be taking to address the situation. [30717/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Unemployment is measured through the quarterly national household survey as published by the Central Statistics Office. The survey does not provide data on specific towns and is available on a regional basis only. The most recent data published in September 2006 show that the unemployment rate for the south-west region, which includes Tralee, is 3.7%, a decrease of 0.5% in the year. This compares favourably with the national rate of 4.3%. In addition there were 14,400 more persons in employment in the south-west region in the year.

The latest live register data for Tralee show that there are 3,219 people on the register in Tralee, an increase of 171 in the year. However, the live register is not designed to measure unemployment. As well as showing the numbers claiming unemployment assistance and benefit it also includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers who would be entitled to unemployment benefit. A range of measures are being implemented by agencies under the aegis of the Department to continue to increase job creation and reduce unemployment in the area.

IDA Ireland continue to promote County Kerry and the advantages of locating there which include a young skilled population, the presence of an institute of technology, and the availability of first class business parks and a regional airport. During 2005, 104 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies. The agency is also working closely with existing clients in Kerry to encourage them to expand their operations. It is also working with a wide range of bodies at local level, including FÁS, to enhance the attractiveness of the county for investment.

FÁS engages with redundant workers in a process involving information sessions, skills, audits, and re-training. It also explores new start-ups in whole or in part by the industrial development agencies. A wide range of measures are also currently being implemented by FÁS in Tralee, such as jobs clubs, community employment, return to work job initiative and the national employment action plan referral process.

Shannon Development had 16 companies operating from the Kerry Technology Park initiative at the end of 2005. Employment in these companies increased by 55 during the year. The agency has approved a €1.5 million support package for two Kerry-based indigenous companies: Altobridge Limited and Freeflow. The support will lead to increased research and development activity and generate an additional 43 jobs at Kerry Technology Park over the next five years.

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