Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - Company Closures.

Richard Bruton

Question:

106 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the announcement that a company (details supplied) plan to rationalise the manufacturing base following the take-over of a company (details supplied); if he has carried out a risk assessment of the threat that this might pose to jobs here; if he has had discussions with the company regarding policy initiatives that might forestall an adverse move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28521/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

As I stated in my reply to the House on 4 November last, I am optimistic, from the information available to me, that the global rationalisation being considered by the parent company in question will not impact adversely on its Irish operations. The Irish acquisition referred to by the Deputy is part of an overall acquisition by the parent company.

As part of the business deal under which the Irish subsidiary acquired the assets and business of the company, the previous owner has retained the site and buildings. One of the conditions of sale is that a new modern facility will be constructed in a location convenient for the existing workforce. A decision on the location of the facility is expected in the near future. I understand that a state of the art production facility is proposed, but that no decision has been taken as regards scale.

Enterprise Ireland has a close working relationship with the Irish company and will continue to monitor developments in relation to the project. In the event that state assistance is sought for the project, it will be considered in line with the normal process applied by Enterprise Ireland.