Vol. 541 No. 5
161 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the results of her instruction to IDA Ireland and FÁS to work closely with a company (details supplied) with a view to securing alternative employment or training for those due to lose jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23185/01]
Following the closure announcement, the company was immediately contacted by approximately 160 employers interested in hiring its staff. IDA Ireland remains in close contact with the company with a view to minimising the effects of the closure, by encouraging the outsourcing of activities currently carried out by the company. I understand that the company is involved in negotiations with a number of companies in this regard, with the possibility of transferring both business and personnel.
In the last three weeks, FÁS has established an on-site employment office to assist employees in finding alternative employment. FÁS efforts are ongoing in this regard and over 300 people have already secured alternative employment. FÁS expects that the majority of remaining staff will be able to find employment in the near future. Twenty one companies from Dublin north attended a jobs fair, at the company, to recruit staff for their own operations and interviews are ongoing.
Over 250 staff indicated that they wanted to take up FÁS evening classes in a range of skills and they have been accommodated in FÁS training centres in Finglas, Cabra and Baldoyle.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 108.
