Vol. 541 No. 4
195 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken to ensure the continuation of a poultry processing plant in County Monaghan; if her attention has been drawn to the closure of a factory (details supplied) with the loss of 300 jobs; if she will establish a task force to ensure the creation of jobs in Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23299/01]
Responsibility for poultry processing comes within the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. I understand that over a long period of time the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development has drawn attention to a number of deficiencies at this particular company's premises. It resulted in the Department issuing a notice temporarily suspending production at the plant. However, that Department is prepared to co-operate in every possible way with the company's efforts to re-open its plant. This was reiterated to the company by that Department at a meeting last Friday.
I have discussed the employment situation in the county with the industrial development agencies. The availability of an advance factory is important and IDA Ireland has secured planning permission for a 25,000 sq. ft. factory. The objective is to secure a client at the earliest date. Enterprise Ireland is focusing on the development of County Monaghan's food processing sector and the development of an integrated food enterprise park will enhance the county's reputation in this regard. In addition, an enterprise centre has been approved for Monaghan town and the Monaghan County Enterprise Board intends to provide a facility for teleservices and software development operations.
I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the industrial development agencies will see Monaghan continue to develop as a county offering very good employment opportunities.
