Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 3

Adjournment Debate. - Job Losses.

Mr. T. Hayes

This matter is important both for Tipperary town and the surrounding area. I thank the Minister for attending the House to address the issue. Continental Promotions International is an American company which as been based in Tipperary for a number of years. It has provided good employment and is held in high esteem in the region. Since the tragic events of 11 September in America, the company has had to lay off some of its workers. I am delighted to note, however, that in recent days the full-time workers have been taken back, albeit only on a 30-hour week.

The workers are keen to know what the future holds, although they are not getting the answers they should from the company. They are unsure of their individual future prospects. No part-time workers have been taken back and, consequently, they are very concerned. The Minister is familiar with Tipperary town and he knows the area has suffered badly from unemployment. There have been a huge number of job losses in Tipperary over many years.

The IDA has been requested to fill an advance factory in Tipperary town. Unemployment in that part of west Tipperary is higher than in any other part of the south-east region. An application has also been made for Government decentralisation to the area but that is an issue for another day. We are concerned now with the future of the Continental Promotions plant. The company was welcomed to Tipperary but we need to clarify what is currently happening to the work force. I have raised the matter on the Adjournment to bring it to the Minster's attention in the hope that we will receive some assurance for those workers' future prospects.

Mr. Treacy

I congratulate Deputy Tom Hayes on his election to the House. I wish him every success here. As a former successful by-election candidate over 19 years ago, I have a special regard for by-election winners.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter on the Adjournment. Continental Promotion International is an American data processing and fulfilment operation. Coupons and other raw data are normally shipped from the United States to Continental Promotion International in Tipperary on a weekly basis.

Due to the tragic events in the United States on 11 September, this process was not possible for a short period of time. The collection and processing of coupons in the USA was also disrupted and, as a result, 60 employees out of a total of 82 in the company's Tipperary operation were laid off.

The current situation at the company is that all permanent staff have resumed work, although at present on the basis of a 30-hour week. While business activity in the US parent company, on which the Irish operation depends, is down, Irish management has informed IDA Ireland it is hopeful that full-time working can recommence within a two-week time frame. Approximately five temporary staff are still laid off but it is expected that these will be reinstated also.

We are optimistic about this company and about the future of the operation in Ireland. Obviously, this situation has resulted from the aftermath of the disaster in the United States on 11 September. Let us hope the collective wisdom will prevail, that normal business can be resumed, that mankind can benefit from global co-operation and collaboration, and that Tipperary's international company will also benefit from restored activity as quickly as possible.