Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:3 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to meet the United States management of Apple Computers in view of the recent rationalisation in the international group. [1599/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apple Computers.
Apple Computer Incorporated recently announced its intention to lay off 1,300 of their 14,000 employees as part of a rationalisation programme. Most of the job losses will be in sales, marketing and administration. This rationalisation programme has not, to date, affected Apple's facility in Cork. I have been in touch with the chief executive of IDA Ireland and at my request it is maintaining close contact with both the Irish and US management concerning any restructuring developments. The Apple facility in Cork has progressively strengthened its competitiveness and with the help of IDA Ireland has added additional functions in the areas of software, quality assurance and research and development to its operations. These will undoubtedly be positive factors in any assessment of the future role of Apple's facility in Cork.
The board of directors of Apple Computer Inc. and its shareholders met in the United States last Tuesday 23 January 1996. I understand there were no implications arising for Apple in Cork.
In the circumstances, I do not propose to meet Apple's US management at this stage, but I will continue to keep this under review in the context of my continuing contacts with IDA Ireland in this case.
It would be a good idea to meet Apple management in the US. Will the Minister reconsider that suggestion? I am glad the redundancies do not affect Apple in Cork, a very fine firm which has a strong committed workforce. Rather than come back here in six months moaning about adverse plans that affect Cork, the Minister should go to the US now on a positive, pre-emptive mission to put to management a strong case for Ireland to hold on to its share of Apple.
I have instructed the IDA to keep in very close contact with management of the company and I will consider such a visit should it prove helpful. I am in close contact, through the IDA, with US management and am satisfied it would not be helpful at this stage to undertake a visit of that nature.
I cannot be strong enough on this issue. Very often the early warning signals from the IDA are faulty and fail to inform us of matters. The Minister should go to the US now to state the case strongly and firmly for Ireland.