The Minister of State's statement was based on information provided by the IDA and was correct at the time it was made. The question of withdrawing his statement or correcting the record does not, therefore, arise.
The company was approved grants in January 2000 towards a major expansion of the operation with investment in additional building, plant and equipment which would lead to total employment of 500 people, that is, an additional 240 jobs. The investment would allow the company to become an integrated manufacturer capable of handling large scale orders and successfully compete in the automotive sector. Since its start up in 1964, the company has been approved research and development, capital, employment and training grants. The company has met all its commitments to the IDA. Total grants paid to date by the IDA are €3,269,697 or £2,575,096.
The company also received training support grants from FÁS, totalling €974 – £767. In December, 2001 the expansion of the facility was well under way, with employment of 655 people – 525 permanent and 130 temporary employees – ahead of target. The company continues to employ approximately the same numbers as in December, 2001. IDA Ireland has advised that the company is currently in an over-manning position in the short-term following the recent downturn in the automotive industry. It is seeking to retain as many jobs as possible and has put in place a three day five day rotation to ease the situation. It is confident of brighter prospects later in the year. IDA Ireland is closely monitoring the situation.
