Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I would expect the Luas to take people out of Tallaght rather than bring them to it. It can work both ways. I am concerned with the 200 job losses in the company in question rather than the other activities the Minister mentioned. He is getting fond of IDA Ireland-speak of "moving up the value chain". Such sentiments are of little comfort to the 200 employees in Tallaght who will lose their jobs.

Will the Minister consider some initiative in conjunction with Tallaght Institute of Technology, particularly in regard to the commercialisation of research and development? Establishing linkages between industry and the third level sector, as the Minister mentioned, is a positive approach. One must wonder what purpose FÁS retraining courses will serve. In instances of job losses on this scale in any part of the country, a proactive plan should be in place based on a template that has worked in the past.

The company involved has cited higher costs as the cause of the job losses. Will the Minister indicate if he has more specific plans than what he has said in a general way to ensure those affected will be given employment opportunities in the general area as soon as possible?

See this speech in context