Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 368: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing jobs lost throughout County Kildare in the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 377: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken or proposes to take to address the issue of job losses from County Kildare to other and more competitive economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8911/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 377 together.

The following tabular statement sets out the position in relation to full time permanent jobs in manufacturing in Enterprise Agency (Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland) assisted firms in Co. Kildare in the past eight years. In that period 8,112 new permanent jobs were created in manufacturing, while job losses amounted to 5,169 giving a net increase over the period of 2,943 permanent jobs. The total number of permanent manufacturing jobs in Co. Kildare in firms assisted by the Enterprise Agencies stood at 14,690 at end 2006.

Today we have a predominantly modern manufacturing base which competes internationally in a range of growth sectors More attractive cost environments abroad will inevitably entice some firms to relocate. However where relocation has occurred to date, it has largely been confined to relatively low technology, labour-intensive activities. In the case of Co. Kildare over the past eight years there has been a net increase in permanent employment of 3,254 in all enterprise agency assisted firms.

The enterprise development agencies are committed to promoting Kildare as a location for investment, as well as supporting and developing businesses already present in the county. Over the past 5 years, IDA Ireland's focused strategy for Kildare has been to promote the County as part of an integrated East Region, with access to a population base of 1.5 million people. IDA Ireland's strategy for County Kildare is to:

Progress the development of a knowledge economy;

Encourage increased co-operation between foreign direct investment companies and third level institutions in the county;

Work with the existing client base in the county to expand its presence;

Provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure;

Work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the county.

To support this strategy, IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the County, to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county. IDA Ireland is also working with FÁS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling. Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard. IDA Ireland is also working to attract the International Services, Software, Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors.

In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland activity is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional levels through supporting research in companies and third level institutions. Since the beginning of 2003, EI has approved over €12m in support to companies in Kildare to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development in order that they can compete on world markets.

New companies — now leaders in the consumer products market — have been established and have created new employment. The consumer foods sector in particular, has shown rapid growth over the last number of years, reflecting significant changes in eating habits and an increase in demand for convenience foods. In the last two years we have seen significant investment by Green Isle Foods and Dawn Farm Foods Ltd, both supported by Enterprise Ireland, leading to significant employment increase in both of these state of the art facilities.