Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies for raising these matters. As they noted, SRAM Corporation announced to its staff that it would cease operations in Carrick-on-Suir with the loss of 53 permanent and temporary jobs. Some 11 permanent staff will be retained in distribution support activities and finance. This is devastating news for the workers in question and their families and our thoughts are with them.

The company attributed the redundancies to ongoing cost pressures and falling sales. It informed IDA Ireland of its decision earlier in the day. SRAM Corporation intends to end manufacturing production and distribution activities at the Carrick-on-Suir site and transfer the remaining employees, who are involved in support activities, to new offices in Waterford city.

The role of FÁS, the State training agency, will be particularly important in assisting those who are to lose their jobs. The agency will, as a matter of urgency, make contact with the management and staff of the company to outline the support services FÁS can provide, particularly advice and training opportunities for the workforce. Finding alternative employment for the workers affected will be a priority for the State development agencies.

I assure Deputies that IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward. Deputy Healy is correct that there is little point setting up more groups and task forces when there is a uniform response across the country, and in areas where there is significant unemployment in given localities or where redundancies take place, the State agencies which are in place respond in a proactive manner to the issues.

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