I share the concern and disappointment of the Deputy at the recent loss of jobs in a number of companies in County Monaghan. I recognise that in addition to the impact these closures have on the workers and their families, there is a significant effect on the economic life of the areas involved.
Where difficulties arise for companies, or where major job losses occur, the full services of the agencies of my Department are available to work closely with the companies involved in addressing the difficulties arising and to provide whatever assistance possible to the workers affected.
I note that of the four plants identified by the Deputy, three are still operating. In the case of one of these, while there has been a reduction in employment numbers over the past 12 months, I am not aware of any plans to close or to further reduce employment. In the case of the other two companies, in the event of failure to maintain the businesses as going concerns, the facilities will be marketed by the agencies with a view to securing their take-over as manufacturing operations.
Despite recent setbacks, we can be confident about the future of County Monaghan and its economic development. Job vacancies remain very buoyant, with over 1,200 applications for work permits from employers granted last year and a further 180 work permits sought since 1 January 2003. The county's location within the Objective One region, together with the recent designation of Monaghan town as a hub in the Government's national spatial strategy, leave the county well placed to benefit from future investment inflows.
The State agencies work closely with each other and with the development bodies in the area, including the Monaghan County Development Board and county council, as well as other local bodies and interests, in facilitating an integrated approach to enterprise development. Enterprise Ireland is currently facilitating a num ber of new start-up businesses in the prepared consumer foods sector, to be based in the Lough Egish Food Park, and is also working with the furniture industry in the county in relation to design and technology. Also, with IDA support, a company servicing the consumer foods market was recently established in Carrickmacross and employs 60 people. It is anticipated that this number will increase as the company goes into full production.