Vol. 541 No. 5
109 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the pro gress which has been made regarding the provision of retraining or alternative employment for those who lost jobs as a result of the closure of a company (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23184/01]
Since the closure of the company on 4 July 2001, all of the 65 staff have been offered the services of FÁS. Many have not yet availed of the service. However, those who have registered are receiving the help of an employment services officer. Their training or retraining needs are being identified where appropriate and they are being given easy and quick access to employers who have suitable vacancies advertised with FÁS. A number of ex-employees have been offered training and are being given priority on existing programmes.
On 12 September I announced that Enterprise Ireland and FÁS are to jointly fund the hiring of an executive by the Athy Investment Development and Employment Forum for one year, to help to develop a series of responses to the socio-economic issues being faced by the town. Both agencies have key roles and a deep interest in regional development and work to foster community-led initiatives in the area. I am hopeful that this support, linked with the considerable local input already made by a number of agencies, including Kildare County Enterprise Board, Kildare County Council and Athy Urban District Council will make a substantial positive difference to the employment situation in Athy.
