John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity to raise this matter of great importance to my constituency of Limerick West, namely, the loss of 150 jobs at Castlemahon Food Products in Castlemahon, County Limerick. Coincidentally, the last issue I requested to raise on the Adjournment also referred to this company, in regard to the brewers' strike. Fortunately, that issue was resolved and I thank the Minister's office for the support and assistance received at that time.

The loss of 150 jobs has both saddened and angered my constituents, many of whom are my friends and neighbours. I empathise with those employees and their families but, sincere as this sentiment is, it will not put food on their tables, petrol in their cars, pay their rent or mortgage or offer any of the other provisions which require a weekly pay packet. I promise to ensure that every effort will be made by the relevant Ministers and appropriate State agencies to attract and support alternative employment in this part of west Limerick. These job losses add to others in the area. The Kerry Group has announced the closure of the chicken processing plant in Kantoher with the loss of 140 jobs. O'Reilly's Fruit and Veg., a food preparation, packaging and distribution business, recently announced its closure. In Drumcollogher, Drum Engineering Limited is also about to close its doors.

This close-knit area of west Limerick has taken a proverbial hammering. It is now time for the closing of ranks across the political divide, rural communities and State agencies to show support and solidarity to our friends, colleagues and neighbours. This is at a time when such support is badly needed. Playing politics and ranting and raving in front of broadcasting microphones will not replace a single job. Neither will playing the blame game. We must work together to encourage and promote small business ventures. Those brave enough to take commercial risks must get the assistance they deserve.

I was heartened by the initial reaction of the ATGWU regional organiser in the area, Mr. Seán Kelly, who did not rave and rant. Instead, he immediately accepted the company's offer to enter negotiations to minimise job losses. From his comments, I understand the figure of 150 job losses is not written in stone. We must provide for the long-awaited and necessary financial investment deserved by a diligent, committed and responsible workforce. We must ensure that Castlemahon Food Products Limited, synonymous with west Limerick like Kantoher Chickens, will grow with confidence, increase its market share, improve wages and conditions and become profitable and viable, giving employment to future generations.

Will the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Browne, investigate why jobs are being shed in the agrifood sector, which has been so successful in the past? Is it due to competition from imported products? Our population is growing and, with it, our food outlets, but we are shedding jobs in the chicken processing industry. I appeal to all parties concerned to ensure that as many jobs as possible are maintained at Castlemahon. I have full confidence in the trade union officials involved and management to save as many jobs as possible.

My thoughts tonight are with those who will lose their jobs at the Castlemahon plant. Of the 410 employees in the company, 150 will lose their jobs. The employees have not been told, however, who will be affected. This is a difficult situation for those individuals. I hope that those who remain in employment at Castlemahon will have viable jobs into the future. For those unfortunate to lose their jobs, I hope they will be re-employed as soon as possible in the locality.

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