Vol. 543 No. 3
72 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she has taken regarding the laying-off of 700 workers at Tara Mines; the plans she has to undertake to offset this severe setback to the economy of the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27114/01]
Ministerial responsibility for the mining industry comes within the remit of the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. On 1 November 2001, Outokumpu Oyj., the Finnish Company which owns the Tara zinc mine, announced that it was placing the mine on a care and maintenance basis. Consequently, all of its approximately 670 employees were on that day issued with protective notice of temporary layoffs, to take effect from 17 November 2001. About 50 staff are expected to remain to maintain essential services. The downturn in global economic conditions and the resulting low base metal prices were cited by the company as the reason for its decision. The company said it will review the situation on an ongoing basis, and that operations will resume as soon as market conditions allow the mine to become viable.
Since the announcement, FÁS has been in contact with the company and has offered its services to both the company and the workers to assist them at this time. A meeting between FÁS and the company for the purpose of agreeing specific measures of support and assistance is scheduled to take place today, Wednesday, 7 November. The company has, however, expressed concern to FÁS about people being available to return to work, and wishes to emphasise that the proposed layoff is temporary. The industrial development agencies continue to actively promote the Navan area as a location for investment. FÁS and the other agencies will maintain close contact to minimise the effect of the layoffs.
