Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and or his officials have engaged with a company (details supplied) in respect of redundancies at the company; and if he has prepared a plan for future employment opportunities and or access to further educational in respect of staff that will be made redundant. [13972/21]
View answerWhile neither I nor my officials have engaged with the company, I am aware that Kerry Group issued a proposed collective redundancy notice on 4th March in respect of 150 positions which, if following consultation it is not possible to avoid, will take effect across two locations between October 2021 and February 2022. Clearly the potential loss of these jobs is most regrettable and I understand that Enterprise Ireland is in discussion with the senior management team of the Kerry Group on their proposals and will be working to maintain the maximum number of jobs in Ireland.
My Department has a Job Loss Response Protocol with the Departments of Social Protection and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In a situation of job losses and redundancies, the Department of Social Protection is the lead Department. As the redundancy position becomes clear, the protocol arrangements will be put in place to assist the impacted workers access their welfare entitlements, job-search assistance and access to the wide range of upskilling and reskilling opportunities available.
