Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ballyhaunis (Mayo) Company.

Patrick J. Morley

Question:

276 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will have arrangements made to invite the management of Farah Exports Ireland Limited to talks similar to those talks arranged for Packard Electric workers with their management with a view to securing an improved severance package for those employees made redundant in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, who cannot be accommodated in the limited extra employment available at Farah, Kiltimagh or who are not in a position to avail of the offer of employment there in view of distance and other problems. [13509/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I am delighted with the decision by Farah Incorporated to maintain its manufacturing presence in Ireland. I am aware that its plans will involve the relocation of the existing Ballyhaunis workforce, equipment and production to Kiltimagh and that discussions are ongoing between the company and IDA (Ireland) in relation to these proposals.

I understand all of the employees have been offered employment in Kiltimagh but a number of these are reluctant to move to the new location. I have been informed that the company and the unions have had discussions in relation to a voluntary redundancy package. In this regard the parties have agreed to attend a conciliation conference, to be held under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, later this week. I hope these discussions will provide the basis for reaching agreement on this issue.