Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This issue is a day-to-day operational matter for Enterprise Ireland and neither I, as Minister, nor my Department has any function in respect thereof. Enterprise Ireland has informed me that the issue relates to a fire that took place at a plant in Rooskey, County Roscommon, in May 2002. As a result of the fire, slaughtering and boning activities in the plant were terminated. A cannery operation survived and continues to employ more than 80 people.

The plant in Roosky received grant assistance from Enterprise Ireland. Consistent with the agency's grant liability policy, contingencies exist for a limited period after payment. In this case, most of the contingency period has expired.

I understand that discussions between Enterprise Ireland and the company on any outstanding liability are continuing and that the company has not returned any grant aid to the agency to date. I am advised that progress is being made in the negotiations, which involve complex legal issues, and that they are expected to conclude in the near future.

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