Vol. 560 No. 1
181 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action which has been taken by her arising from the closure of Comerama, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1225/03]
A number of developments have taken place since the closure was announced by the company. Meetings took place between FÁS, trade union and company representatives on 13 and 14 January, 2003. One-to-one guidance interviews between FÁS and the employees were scheduled to start in the week beginning 27 January 2003. All employees who register with FÁS are being placed on a FÁS employment tracking system. In addition, the employees are being offered three-day planning for the future courses. These courses will start in February 2003. On completion of this course, participants will be interviewed again and, where appropriate, offered other training or further education courses.
On 15 January 2003, a meeting of interested parties took place in order to explore how Enterprise Ireland in particular, could work with the other agencies such as the county enterprise board, FÁS, IDA Ireland and community groups in the area to create initiatives that would result in job replacement for the area. At the meeting, it was agreed to establish a local working group made up of employees of the company and other interested parties to progress the employment agenda for the area. Enterprise Ireland is also prepared to discuss funding under its community enterprise scheme. The final date for submissions under the current call for proposals is 25 April 2003.
