Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 44, 65, 84, 87 and 121 together.

I am aware of the recent job losses which have been announced. In such circumstances, my immediate concern is for workers who have lost their jobs or will lose them soon. The full services of FÁS are available to the workers at the earliest opportunity if they wish to avail of them. Services which are likely to be availed of relate to retraining and upskilling, which are of particular assistance when re-entering the workplace.

The job losses at Schering Plough will initially take place on a voluntary basis over a 12-month period. A similar reduction in numbers that was announced in December 2003 was achieved through voluntary redundancy and the ending of temporary contracts.

SerCom has decided to cease its production activities in Dublin to ensure it continues to provide the highest level of service to its customers in a profitable manner and protects the future viability of the business. It proposes to concentrate on its Limerick facility, in which 300 people are already employed. Some 32 jobs will be retained in Dublin to provide support services.

The decision by Jefferson Smurfit to close its operation in Dublin follows a detailed review of its paper mill operation, which has become uncompetitive. The Clonskeagh operation was the last paper manufacturing plant in Ireland.

The board of Greencore has made a commercial decision to cease the production of sugar beet in Carlow. The sole production facility in Ireland will be retained in Mallow. The full implications of the company's decision are being assessed by the development agencies.

Direct employment in companies in Cork supported by IDA Ireland continues to grow. Information and communications technologies, medical technologies and international services are the main sectors which are contributing to that growth. Projects approved in the last four years created up to 5,000 jobs. A number of developments in Cork will provide significant employment opportunities, such as Aer Rianta's investment at Cork Airport and the construction of a flyover at the Kinsale Road roundabout.

Wyeth Biopharma employs approximately 700 people at Clondalkin in Dublin, a figure that is expected to rise to 1,300 by the end of the year.

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