Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Forfás Report.

Michael McDowell

Question:

24 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the specific policy initiatives, if any, he plans to take in line with the recommendations contained in the Forfás report entitled, Shaping Our Future. [2910/97]

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

I would refer the Deputy to my previous replies of 26 June 1996 and 22 October 1996 to questions concerning the implementation of recommendations contained in the Forfás report "Shaping Our Future" and regarding the status of that report vis-à-vis Government policy. In summary, I have previously indicated that the report is an advisory one which provides a valuable contribution to policy development in a wide range of areas spanning the interests of my Department and other Departments.

For my part, I am keen to use many of the report's insights in the future elaboration of policy in areas such as enterprise strategy, policy on the services sector, addressing skills shortages, improving the incentive to work and promoting sustainable competitive advantage in Irish industry. The use of "Shaping Our Future" in this manner is an on-going and dynamic process involving further reflection, consultation and prioritisation but there is no question of either the Government or myself being committed to the implementation of its recommendations en bloc.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

25 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the action, if any, taken by him to prevent the closure of National Medical Care and the loss of further jobs in south-west Dublin. [2923/97]

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

In September 1996, the German company, Fresenius, acquired National Medical Care worldwide resulting in the formation of the world's largest vertically integrated dialysis group. National Medical Care announced to its Irish workforce on 17 January 1997 its intention to cease operations in Clondalkin with the loss of 75 jobs over a period of three to four months as part of the parent company's rationalisation decision to shed over 5,000 jobs worldwide.

Efforts by IDA Ireland, in consultation with the parent company to avert the closure of the Clondalkin plant, including the attraction of an alternative project for the plant, were unfortunately unsuccessful. I greatly regret the impact of this closure decision on a workforce which, following earlier redundancies, had thought their future was reasonably secure. However, the decision was made outside of Ireland and was irrevocable. As the Deputy will appreciate, responsibility in the final analysis for corporate decisions, which impact on employment, is a matter for companies themselves.

However, I am pleased to say that National Medical Care is currently working with IDA to prepare a detailed brochure on the Clondalkin plant which will be marketed through IDAs extensive network of overseas offices with a view to attracting a replacement industry at an early date. The IDA and other development agencies are working closely with existing industry in south-west Dublin in order to maintain or expand employment. They are also actively promoting the area for the attraction of new indigenous and overseas-owned projects. I am confident that the co-operative efforts of all interests concerned will facilitate the attraction of much needed new investment and jobs to the area.