Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The situation at Tara Mines has reached a critical point. The mine has been suspended since July of last year and the prospects of reopening remain uncertain. The unions are not ruling out industrial action. The management released plans to the media without first consulting with the unions or the workers. SIPTU has accused the company of trying to rip up negotiated agreements under a new rescue plan. Unite, one of the unions representing the workers at Tara Mines, has detailed the challenges faced by the workers and the broader implications for the local economy. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard the livelihoods of the workers and to secure the future of Tara Mines. The concerns that have been outlined by the unions highlight the need for Government intervention to ensure the highly skilled jobs at Tara Mines are preserved and that the terms and conditions of the workers are maintained. I ask that the Government talk to all relevant stakeholders to make any supports provided contingent on Tara Mines committing to an early and firm reopening date while maintaining the terms and conditions of the workers, including any voluntary reduction package. Workers will tell you that better terms and conditions were offered 30 years ago.

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