Vol. 547 No. 3
72 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions she has had with the job creation agencies regarding targeted measures to deal with significant job losses in the west Dublin area arising from the closure of a company (details supplied) and the planned closures of two companies (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3320/02]
The agencies which come within the remit of my Department are engaged in a range of measures to maximise job creation and to secure alternative employment for those affected by company closures in the west Dublin area.
FÁS, the national training and employment authority, has offered a comprehensive service to employees in the three companies referred to by the Deputy. FÁS has undertaken a 'company-based' response in addressing the employment and training needs of the workers that have been, and will be, made redundant from these companies. The main services provided by FÁS relate to assisting workers in sourcing alternative employment, and identifying and addressing their training needs related to securing this employment.
Despite the slowdown in foreign inward investment since early in 2001, IDA Ireland has a number of projects under way in west Dublin. These include a pharmaceutical plant in Blanchardstown, where construction is well advanced and production is due to commence in early 2003. Recruitment is under way, with 430 new jobs to be created. Construction of a new bio-pharmaceutical plant in Clondalkin is under way also – construction will employ 2,500 people over the next three years. The development represents a significant investment by the company in Dublin and will create 1,300 jobs at full production.
