Following the closure of the Meenmore operation-factory in Dungloe in July 2001, Arramara Teoranta continued to purchase seaweed from harvesters in Donegal until June of this year. As part of the restructuring programme, the containment of production costs is considered by the company to be an urgent priority. The decision to discontinue taking harvested seaweed from Donegal was, therefore, made by Arramara Teoranta on a strictly commercial basis as part of its overall strategy to secure its future.
I recently agreed with my Cabinet colleague, the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, who has responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs, that ownership of Arramara Teoranta will be transferred to Údarás na Gaeltachta. I am confident that Arramara Teoranta will benefit greatly from the expertise that Údarás na Gaeltachta, as the industrial development authority for the Gaeltacht, will bring to the company.
Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 277.