Martin Brady (Dublin North East, Fianna Fail)

Since the 1930s Cadbury has been a pivotal employer in the Coolock area and north-east Dublin. It has served the area well both in good and bad times. It was seen to be a privilege to work there. Cadbury is an institution in that part of Dublin, as well as one of the best known brand names in the country. In many cases, three generations of families have worked at the factory which employs 1,400 people.

From time to time, companies must modernise, streamline and restructure their operations. Like Deputy Broughan, when I first heard the news of the job losses, I was aghast at the swiftness of the decision. In a letter I received from the chairman of Cadbury yesterday, I was informed the 450 job losses will be on a phased basis over three years, hopefully on a voluntary basis. I contacted the office of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and was assured the full details of the Cadbury package will be made known. As a former trade union official with the Communication Workers Union, I was involved in working out voluntary redundancies and early retirement schemes, and it is not as bad as some may believe.

The Minister assured me he will meet the unions, the workers and management of Cadbury. With an announcement like yesterday's, an unsettled atmosphere can be created among the staff who remain. People often ask who will be next to be laid off. I want to know what is planned for the next 15 years in Cadbury. I understand the company must streamline to be competitive to ensure it can give good employment in Coolock.

I recall when more than 60 people were laid off from a plastics factory in Coolock. FÁS retrained many of these workers and redeployed them in employment in their own area. I hope the same can be done for those affected in Cadbury. Cadbury must consult the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the employment agencies to ensure the workers are well informed of their options before the job losses come into effect. The Minister has informed me consultations will take place to reassure those not affected of their continued employment at the plant. As a former trade union official, I joined Fianna Fáil because I believe it is the party that protects the workers and will continue to do so.

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