I thank the Minister for coming into the House to deal with this issue. What progress has been made in relation to a potential purchaser for the Semperit Plant following the visit of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to the US recently? We would all agree that every effort should be made to save the 650 jobs at this plant. My understanding is that there are two potential purchasers, Cooper US and Kumho Company in Korea. It is unfair of Continental AG to close this plant by 6 December. Representatives of the workforce have sought a three-month extension and it should be granted. If a viable concern is to take over the plant, time is required. I call on Continental AG, the parent company, to demonstrate publicly its sincerity and that it wants to save these valuable jobs by agreeing to a three month extension on the closure date.
I ask the Minister of State and the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to undertake a visit to the Kumho Company in Korea to demonstrate the Government's interest in its purchase of this plant. It goes without saying that a strong lobby by an Irish Government Minister has added significance in that part of the world. No stone should be left unturned by the Government in endeavouring to attract a purchaser who would save the jobs of the 650 workers.
I stress the importance of ensuring that a potential global competitor of Continental AG is not excluded from purchasing this factory. It has been said that the Korean company, Kumho, would fall into this category. I seek an absolute assurance from the Minister that he has got a guarantee from the Semperit parent company that it will not veto such a competitor coming into Ireland and purchasing this plant. This is a central issue in this debate.
The Minister needs to be up front on this point and if he has any concerns or doubts he should spell them out. A fallback option would be an employee buyout. This option should not be ruled out and should be assisted by the Department if all else fails. A feasibility study is being carried out with State aid and I support this approach. These jobs in Semperit are extremely valuable, not only for the individuals but also for their families, the local community and businesses and individuals whose livelihoods are connected to and dependent on this major enterprise. There is much at stake and I ask the Minister to maximise his efforts and those of the IDA and other relevant agencies in the coming weeks and months to ensure that these people can continue to work in their community and that the company can continue to grow and develop within the EU into the next century.