Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Job Losses.

Seán Haughey

Question:

120 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a US based company (details supplied) based at Clonshaugh Industrial Park, Dublin 17, is due to close on 31 March 2000; if she has satisfied herself with the redundancy package for the 40 employees; the efforts, if any, she will make to ensure that the employees obtain alternative employment; the financial and other assistance given to the company by State agencies previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4977/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

On 1 February 2000 the managing director of the company informed his staff that the Irish operation would cease production from 31 March 2000 and that the building would be sold. The closure of the company is a result of difficult trading conditions for the parent company and for the Irish operation which has necessitated a rationalisation programme within the corporation as a whole.

It is not possible to reverse the company's decision to close. The company will co-operate closely with IDA Ireland over the coming weeks to provide expert advice and assistance to all employees in seeking alternative employment.

With regard to the redundancy package to the employees, I understand that redundancy terms were agreed on 16 February 2000 based on a Labour Relations Commission recommendation FÁS will make a full registering service available to all employees of the company. A complete skills audit can be carried out, together with a training requirement analysis. FÁS will also help identify potential job opportunities.

In relation to State agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have been informed that the company has received £34,469.00 for training support scheme, TSS, grants from FÁS during the period 1991-99. IDA Ireland has paid the company grant assistance totalling £957,390. The last payment was made in 1981 and the company has no outstanding grant liability to IDA Ireland.