Vol. 500 No. 3
54 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will meet with the Charlestown Development Association to discuss the loss of 100 jobs in that town; and if she will set up a task force to try to secure an alternative industry when she is meeting with ex-employees of Betatherm in Ballinrobe, County Mayo. [3931/99]
The possible loss of 100 jobs is a serious setback for Charlestown and for the surrounding region of north Mayo. I sympathise with the employees who are facing the threat of redundancy.
Although I have not received any communication from the Charlestown Development Association, I have asked Enterprise Ireland to liaise with all appropriate development bodies at local level in response to this setback. I understand that a receiver has been appointed to the All-Fresh Bakery and is having ongoing discussions with a number of parties. Enterprise Ireland is already providing advice to those interested in trying to get the plant back into operation as a going concern. I consider that the most appropriate course of action is for the industrial developments agencies to continue to work in harmony with the local community.
It was in recognition of the special needs of this region that I established the north Mayo enterprise initiative in June 1997, in the wake of the closure of the Asahi plant in Ballina. That initiative continues to have a significant beneficial influence on employment prospects in the region.
