Vol. 503 No. 3
145 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will visit County Mayo to meet workers in Charlestown, Ballinrobe and north Mayo in view of the job losses proposed and actual in five companies in the county. [9965/99]
Two task forces are currently in operation to oversee the attraction of replacement industry to different areas in County Mayo. They are the North Mayo Enterprise Initiative (NMEI), established in response to the closure of the Asahi factory, and the Ballinrobe Task Force which was established following the closure of Betatherm. Both are operating under the chairmanship of Mr. Des Mahon, County Manager, Mayo County Council. Since I established the North Mayo Enterprise Initiative on 10 July 1997, I have announced the creation of over 700 new jobs for the region. I am satisfied with the progress being made by these two task forces and do not have any plans to meet workers from the companies concerned.
I should add that Norsk Hydro, Mediscription and the Cow Comfort Rubber Factory in Belmullet are all companies assisted by Údarás na Gaeltachta and fall within the remit of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
