Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014
35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will arrange a meeting with Industrial Development Agency Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and a company (details supplied) in County Meath to see if jobs may be saved; if he will ensure the remaining 60 jobs are secured into the future and to ensure that a proper redundancy package is put in place for the workers currently facing redundancy. [39484/14]
View answerIDA Ireland has had ongoing engagement with this company over recent years. The company has just announced that it has begun a collective negotiation process with its staff which, it is feared may lead to reducing job numbers early next year. The consultation process will conclude by the 12th of November and a definite decision will be made at that stage.
After acquiring the company early last year, the new owners, who have a wide range of similar facilities in 19 countries worldwide, undertook a global review of its centres. This review has now been completed and it appears that their facility in Cape Town, South Africa, has significant cost advantages over the Irish operation.
The company is considering establishing a Centre of Excellence involving key activities, which could offer security for the majority of the staff, if some jobs are lost. IDA will continue to work closely with the company both locally and at corporate level to mitigate the number of posts which could move from the Irish operation.
In the event of some redundancies, the company will provide a skills profile of this operation for the IDA to circulate to other relevant IDA clients recruiting similar talent.
It is very much regretted if jobs are to be lost in this facility. However you will appreciate that the ultimate decision is made by the company based on what it perceives as being in its best interest. We strive to make Ireland competitive for international investment but there are occasions where jobs are moved to lower cost international centres.
