Vol. 557 No. 4
140 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the task force on employment in Drogheda was set up; the composition of the task force; the number of meetings it has held; if it is still meeting; when the report of the task force will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22316/02]
I established the Drogheda inter agency task force in August 2001 in response to the impending closure of the Tellabs manufacturing operation in Drogheda. The task force comprised representatives from IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, the county enterprise board and Dundalk Institute of Technology. It operated under the chairmanship of IDA Ireland. I requested the task force to liaise with the public sector, private sector and community bodies which could assist in promoting Drogheda for investment and job creation. The task force held six formal meetings and was involved through its members in a number of initiatives and liaisons with other parties in Drogheda. A final report of the task force was submitted to me on 10 October 2002 and, acting on the advice of the chairman, I have formally dissolved it. While there is some confidential information relating to specific companies contained in the report, a copy without this confidential element, will be forwarded to the Deputy.
The main focus of the task force was on attracting a replacement industry and the provision of assistance to the Tellabs employees to secure alternative employment. I understand that the vast majority of the former staff of Tellabs have now obtained alternative employment. I can assure the Deputy that each of the member organisations of the inter agency task force will continue to work closely with the local authorities and will participate with the chamber of commerce in a group to promote Drogheda for new investment and development.
