Vol. 480 No. 6
103 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current position in relation to the prospects for the large workforce of Fruit of the Loom in Donegal and the north-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14422/97]
I met the chairman and chief executive officer, and other senior executives of Fruit of the Loom Inc. in Chicago on 25 August in order to discuss the US company's plans for its Irish operations. The company assured me that it is strongly committed to maintaining employment levels in Ireland until at least the end of 1998. The company was optimistic about maintaining the level of employment after that but, given the increasing competition in world markets, considered it difficult to predict further. I emphasised to the company the importance of Fruit of the Loom to Donegal and the north-west generally. The company undertook to keep in close touch with IDA Ireland and my Department concerning its future plans.
I also met recently with SIPTU officials representing Fruit of the Loom Inc. Both the IDA and my Department will keep the union briefed on ongoing developments.
