Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Collins and Deputy Neville for raising this important matter. Like the Deputies, I was disappointed to hear about the situation at the company in question. I am conscious of the effect the job losses will have on the workers involved and their families as well as the community in the surrounding area. This is distressing news for those who will lose their jobs. I assure the people concerned that the relevant State agencies will provide every support they can. The priority will be to find alternative employment for those involved at the earliest opportunity. As Deputy Collins knows, we discussed the redundancy situation today with the workers at Castlemahon. Given what happened 15 months ago, it is unsatisfactory that they are being offered only statutory redundancy.

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