Vol. 545 No. 5
96 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will initiate discussions with the Minister for Pub lic Enterprise to address the threat of companies pulling out of the Shannon region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31021/01]
As the Deputy is aware, part of the Government's response to the major challenges posed to the economy generally, by definition including the Shannon region, and tourism in particular in the post 11 September situation, was the establishment of an ad hoc group to consider the appropriate steps required. This committee includes representatives of a number of Departments including my Department and the Department of Public Enterprise. Discussions are ongoing within that forum.
Shannon Development, which is the agency under the aegis of my Department with particular responsibility for industrial and tourism development in the Shannon region, is working actively with the key players in the region, including IBEC, ICTU, IDA Ireland and Aer Rianta, on the impact of recent events on the region. In conjunction with IBEC the company has recently initiated a survey among relevant business designed to assess the impact of the slowdown on companies in the region, with particular regard to the cutting back of aviation services at Shannon Airport. The survey will assess the region's continuing ability to influence future investment decisions of mobile international and indigenous investment in the context of the new situation and make recommendations accordingly.
