Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs in the manufacturing sectors lost here in each of the past ten years to date in 2010 and deemed to have relocated to other economies; the reason for such relocation; the action she has taken to address the issues arising therefrom; the number of jobs created here through foreign direct investment in the same period; the extent to which she has studied the evidence arising; the action deemed appropriate in the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4915/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The number of jobs lost in the manufacturing sector in each year from 1999 to 2008 is as follows:

1999 – 17,352; 2000 – 16,542; 2001 – 24,667; 2002 – 24,539; 2003 – 21,360;

2004 – 17,878; 2005 – 15,609; 2006 – 15,718; 2007 – 16,870; 2008 – 21,388.

The number of jobs created in the same period through foreign direct investment is as follows:

1999 – 21,064; 2000 – 24,997; 2001 – 15,169; 2002 – 11,529; 2003 – 9,854;

2004 – 11,996; 2005 – 12,802; 2006 – 12,788; 2007 – 10,770; 2008 – 9,692.

Data in respect of 2009 is being compiled and is expected to be available later this month.

There are no figures are available in respect of jobs relocated to other economies. There are many differing and complex factors that can influence a firm's decision to relocate and these are a reality of the modern globalised economic environment. Notwithstanding this, IDA Ireland has continued to attract and retain high value manufacturing investments from leading Global Corporations.

Job 'churn' occurs in the internationally trading sector of the economy, in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons. Companies adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, accessing technology, in addition to business takeovers and consolidations. For much of the last decade, this churn has been positive for Ireland with companies replacing lower value activities with activities of higher value, resulting in better-paid, more highly skilled jobs.

This Government has been focusing on the actual priorities of businesses, such as energy and labour costs, together with the separate issue of credit availability. These are the main cost concerns of business. Where Government charges are an issue, we have maintained downward pressure, commercial rates being a case in point. In addition, I am satisfied that the policies and initiatives being pursued by the Industrial Development agencies and the CEBs will continue to bring about industrial development and employment opportunities for Ireland.