Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
11. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure the necessary support is provided by his Department to the workers at a company (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28407/15]
View answerImmediately after the announcement by the company concerned, I established an inter-agency group to coordinate the response to the proposed job losses.
The group, chaired by Enterprise Ireland, is seeking to secure alternative employment for the area affected and to ensure that departing workers have access to supports they need from State agencies for retraining, access to social welfare supports, access to advice on employment rights and access to advice and support for those workers who intend to start their own businesses. The group includes Local Enterprise Offices, IDA Ireland, Solas, Education and Training Boards, Department of Social Protection, MABS, Northside Partnership and the Citizens Information Bureau.
Enterprise Ireland has been in contact with the company on a continual basis regarding the assistance it could provide for restructuring to minimise job losses. I have also had discussions with Mondelez at senior executive level and the company has committed clearly to me that it will invest in its operation here with the aim of achieving best in class production process.
Enterprise Ireland have met with representatives of the workers and provided information to help them formulate a counter proposal to the company. Officials in Enterprise Ireland also met with Irish management and asked them to give serious consideration to the proposals being put forward by the workers.
I also understand that management and employee representatives continue to discuss various aspects of restructuring at the plant and the Inter-Agency group and the Labour Relations Commission are available to assist in whatever way possible.
I have already directed Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to step up their efforts to find alternative projects for the area affected.
Enterprise Ireland continues to work with the company to sustain its operations in Ireland and support any proposals that the company bring forward that would maintain or increase employment in Ireland.
I continue to monitor this situation very closely.
