I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 15 and 28 together.
In response to Private Notice Questions on 30 April, 1996 by Deputies O'Rourke and Harney, I detailed the sequence of events leading to the announcement of the closure of Packard in July 1996, including meetings with General Motors and Delphi Packard management. On 30 April I sought and was given approval by Government to establish the Tallaght task force which I launched on 1 May 1996. The task force has been vigorously and energetically pursuing its remit to formulate an action plan in response to the announcement of the closure of the Packard plant by the end of July 1996.
The terms of reference of the task force, which is representative of a broad cross section of interests with a very strong local Tallaght dimension, are as follows: to make proposals and to advise the Minister, in response to the situation in Tallaght arising out of the announcement of the closure of Packard, on: replacement industry-industries being located in the area which can utilise the Packard premises and workforce; steps necessary to assist local suppliers and sub-contractors who are facing loss of business; assisting Packard workers in such areas as career change, training, retraining, job search and enterprise; supporting local SMEs to expand, including the possibility of incentives for employment of ex-Packard employees; and such other matters arising out of the closure of Packard and related to the situation of Tallaght as the task force may determine.
The task force has held four meetings to date and has established two subcommittees to examine urgently issues relating to job skills and training, industry, enterprise and infrastructure. It envisages the submission of a report prior to the closure of the Packard plant in July next. This report should address the key issues outlined in the task force's terms of reference, including the upgrading of skills and retraining of workers and the attraction of alternative industry to Tallaght.
I understand that discussions are continuing between IDA Ireland and Delphi Packard and General Motors on the use of the Tallaght plant and site for alternative industry. A successful conclusion to these discussions would be a major boost in providing a very valuable infrastructural resource for the attraction of industry.
I met last evening with the unions at Packard at their request to hear the outcome of two meetings that have taken place to date between the company and unions. The unions expressed their frustration that there has been no improvement in communications and that the orderly resolution of the present situation presumes that relevant information will be made available. I would expect that discussions between the parties will commence under the aegis of the LRC next week.