Vol. 482 No. 5
11 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether she is being kept informed of the rationalisation plans of the newly merged Waterford and Avonmore Group particularly regarding the jobs situation in both the Dungarvan and Kilmeaden plants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18257/97]
49 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she has taken to alleviate potential job losses in Waterford, Cavan and Dublin consequent on the merger of Waterford Foods and Avonmore; the significance she attached to job losses when she sanctioned the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18367/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 49 together.
I am taking a particular interest in the employment implications arising from the creation of the new Avonmore Waterford Group. Clearly the former entities envisage that there would be some loss of employment in the short term due to the merger. This has to be viewed in the context of creating a global player in the food processing industry. I will shortly be meeting representatives of the company to discuss this matter and seek to ensure that any job losses are minimal which ultimately will secure employment and growth over the longer term.
