I welcome the Minister of State. There was a deep sense of shock in Tipperary town last Thursday afternoon when the workforce, and then the population at large, were informed that in the principal factory in the town 150 out of 230 people would lose their jobs between the end of May and October. Pall Corporation was a replacement industry for Tambrands, which closed some years ago.
This announcement came completely out of the blue, particularly as only a few months ago there were discussions about expanding the plant rather than reducing it. It has been acknowledged by everyone concerned that the workforce is excellent. There were no complaints of any kind about the quality of what was produced. One part of the plant produces medical filters while the other part produces industrial filters.
The Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, visited the town on Thursday before the meeting took place. However, he was alerted that something was happening and he took the trouble to talk to IDA Ireland about the problem, both when he arrived and before he left. The decision was taken by the company headquarters in New York, without awareness of the devastating consequences for the people of the town. I have heard the decision described as shameful.
The industrial filter section of the plant is being retained and I hope Pall will consider adding some other line, if it is not possible for it to restore the line it has shifted to Mexico and Puerto Rico. I note the announcement today in Waterford that a software plant is to be shifted to India. It is perhaps a sign of some of the dangers we face. Nonetheless, industries need access to the European market and Ireland still has one of the most competitive bases, both in terms of taxation and costs.
IDA Ireland and the Government have had some success in getting replacements relatively swiftly for towns like Roscrea and, some years ago, Clonmel. Part of the south-east region, particularly Tipperary, is concentrating on health and pharmaceutical plants. It has emphasised the pressing need, although it is not strictly relevant to this issue, for the town to benefit from decentralisation. Obviously different people will be involved in that.
Tipperary is a town of tremendous potential which, unfortunately, has not yet been realised. It has excellent sporting, cultural and artistic facilities, but assistance is needed from the Government and IDA Ireland to promote the town. I detect in the reaction since this announcement that Tipperary is now a high priority in terms of completing an advance factory, finding somebody to fill the now mainly empty Pall work plant, refurbishing the industrial park and finding a use for the Namco plant. There is certainly plenty of space for a company to occupy.
Tipperary is one of the best towns in the country in terms of self-help. I could refer, for example, to the West Tipperary Enterprise Group – which is located in the Station House – the new technology park, the Excel heritage centre, the Canon Hayes sports centre, the Knockarawley resource centre and Tipperary Community Radio. There are many examples and they are mostly supported by voluntary community effort, often with some difficulty.
A delegation made up of councillors and public representatives is hoping to meet Pall representatives in New York next week. The Tánaiste has been asked to meet a deputation and no doubt she will make contact as advised by IDA Ireland. Obviously, by one means or another, replacement employment is needed as quickly as possible and before the 150 people lose their jobs.