[Sinn Fein]

20 May 1997

Doherty calls for skilled jobs for Letterkenny

Sinn Fein Vice President Pat Doherty while canvassing in Letterkenny this afternoon called for an immediate long-term strategy for the planned development of the industrial base to counter the growing prevelance of low paid, temporary employment in the town .

Mr. Doherty said:

``As one of the fastest growing small towns in Western Europe it is a disgrace that there has never been any long-term strategy for the planned development of the industrial base of the town. Instead we have seen a growing reliance on low paid, temporary employment with little protection, particularly for young workers.

``It is obvious that even if we were successful in getting a major industry to locate in Letterkenny we do not have the basic infrastructural requirements to cope with such a development.

``The complete failure in the last five years to tackle the high levels of unemployment in the town, particularly long-unemployment, makes it essential that we begin to develop our infrastructure and create skilled jobs for our young people.

``Sinn Fein have repeatedly said that a strategy for the long-term development of the entire North-West is needed and we must now begin by getting community groups, local businesses, statutory agencies and government to work together to start this process. This must be complimented by the IDA giving greater priority to bringing jobs to Donegal and the North West. Sinn Fein are also calling for full statutory protection for all part time workers and for a realistic minimum wage.'' ENDS

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