Vol. 568 No. 1
211 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a company (details supplied) in County Mayo; the support available for it to try to retain its current employment level; and her plans to help replace these jobs if they are lost. [15682/03]
The company in question has two plants in County Mayo. A total of 36 people are employed, 14 of which are in Ballindine. Enterprise Ireland is currently seeking clarification from the company regarding its plant in Ballindine. Last year, Enterprise Ireland held discussions with the company to assist in addressing competitiveness issues, and Enterprise Ireland's supplier development programme is available to the company. This programme is designed to help companies get accreditation and support up to a value of €10,000 for consultancy, project management and training.
Recent IDA Ireland job announcements for the area include Fort Wayne Metals in Castlebar, DeCare in Claremorris and Crossmolina, and AMO in Westport. Enterprise Ireland also provided support to nearby Claremorris under its community enterprise programme in 2000. The centre is now complete and the first tenants are in occupation. The full resources of the development agencies are available to assist and, in the event of any job losses, FÁS meet with staff and offer advice and guidance to those seeking alternative employment or training.
