Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
380 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts which have been made by him to find a replacement industry for Dungarvan in view of the proposed closure of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20663/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra381 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had discussions with the management of a company (details supplied) and its workers with regard to the closure of the Dungarvan factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20664/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.
Following the announcement on 4 May 2005 of the closure of the plant in Dungarvan, I met the Waterford county manager on 10 May 2005. At that meeting, I asked that particular emphasis be put on upskilling the existing workers where necessary and on creating an enterprise culture in the area. I also asked that emphasis be put on developing indigenous industry in the area with a view to expanding existing companies. An interagency forum has been set up to address the situation following the closure announcement. The forum, which is being chaired by the county manager, had its first meeting on 13 May 2005 and is meeting at fortnightly intervals.
Prior to this, phase one of the site development had been completed on IDA Ireland's industrial park in Dungarvan and the first client had been secured. I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the industrial development agencies, local interests and the forum will continue to address the needs of Dungarvan.
While I have had no direct discussions with the management of the company in question or the workers concerned, senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland, including the chief executive, have held meetings with the company over the past months to discuss its future strategy. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with the company through its restructuring programme on new product development and in developing its markets to assist the company to meet its new targets.
FÁS has been in consultation with the workers concerned and is leading the interagency forum's response to the workers' needs in respect of training, development and education. Detailed arrangements are in hand to engage with the workforce when agreement has been reached between the company and staff representatives. FÁS will set up a temporary employment office in the plant in Dungarvan for a number of weeks to respond to the needs of the workforce.
