Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The announcement by the company that it is to close its Donegal facility is most disappointing and particularly devastating for the workers and families directly affected. The role of FÁS, the State training agency, will be particularly important in assisting those who are to lose their jobs. FÁS has already been in contact with the company and will provide advice and training opportunities for the Hospira workforce. The agency will make its full range of services available to the workers, which will include top level agreement with the company on responsibilities and actions; intensive interviews, individually and/or in groups, with affected workers that will outline the range of supports and services available; preparation of a skills analysis report by FÁS based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities; referral by FÁS of affected workers to jobs, training courses or other options; establishment by FÁS of special or customised training courses where necessary; and ongoing support and action to keep redundant workers in touch with the labour market.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland is also providing information and support for those who might wish to start their own businesses. IDA Ireland is also in discussion with the company regarding the possible future use of the facility in Donegal town. The full support of the Donegal County Enterprise Board is also being made available.

The Deputy will be aware that there have been significant job announcements in Donegal recently, with more than 210 new jobs announced last week by Zeus Industrial Products and PowerBoard. These projects being supported by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, respectively, are in addition to 423 jobs which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced earlier this year for the north-west region. The State development agencies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the county enterprise boards, under his auspices, are fully committed to supporting and promoting job creation and job retention in Donegal.

In addition to recent job announcements, this commitment is also evidenced by ongoing development and support by the agencies for a number of business parks and enterprise centres in Donegal. These include the completion of the IDA Letterkenny Business Park; the provision of a 25,000 sq. ft. advance office building at Windyhall; the completion of site development work at Ballyshannon for a new facility, and at Buncrana, where IDA Ireland is working with a local developer to provide new manufacturing and office buildings; support for nine community enterprise centres in Donegal by Enterprise Ireland; support for the expansion of the Letterkenny Institute of Technology business development centre; and the development of a marine biotechnology centre at Letterkenny IT.

I recognise that Donegal has experienced significant job losses in recent years, particularly in traditional sectors such as textiles and clothing. Since his appointment, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, has visited Donegal twice and has met many groups and companies on these visits to discuss both difficulties and positive developments in the county. His colleagues in Government also recognise the particular difficulties in Donegal and in that context will be working together to assist in improving the overall environment to increase the attractiveness of Donegal as a location for enterprises.

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