Michael Smith (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom buíochas a ghabháil as ucht seans a bheith agam an t-ábhar seo a chur os comhair na Dála — na postanna a bheidh caillte i gceann tamaill bhig i mo bhaile féin, Ros Cré.

Alexander plc has a reputation of being the UK's number one producer of a range of uniforms and work wear, including medical, hospitality and catering clothing. As a leading supplier of work clothing dedicated to innovative garment design with top quality work clothes at the best prices and the highest level of service and support, the workers involved in a subsidiary in Roscrea could have expected that their employment was secure.

Corporate Apparel, based in my home town of Roscrea, was bought out by Alexander plc in 2002. It was previously owned by Edward and Chris Condren and before that by Mara work wear. They supplied companies such as Linen Supply Company, Celtic Linen, which are laundry companies and have contracts with Dublin Bus, Bord Gáis, Aer Rianta and major hospitals as well as a number of local suppliers.

Given the publicity about the success of this international company and the profitability associated with its activities, the announcement of the closure of the Roscrea plant came out of the blue for workers. It was a thunderbolt for workers on Tuesday last, coming just a few weeks before Christmas. There was no complete statement and no explanation. This is an extremely harsh way of doing business with loyal workers. Many of the employees have worked with the former owners and their service was continued. They have family, financial and other commitments. They deserve to be treated more fairly. I ask that Alexander plc be contacted and that the maximum redundancy payments be made available to the displaced employees, and that the company be asked to support the IDA, Shannon Development and Roscrea Chamber of Commerce in the transitional period in order to source alternative employment. Retraining of the redundant employees is another essential factor in the preparation for alternative employment. I ask the Minister of State to ensure FÁS does the needful in providing the necessary courses.

I was very sorry to learn today that certain political parties, themselves bereft of any positive solution for these workers, are trying to make political capital out of the difficulties these people are facing so unexpectedly. What is needed is not that kind of wasteful exercise but a positive approach to keep and secure new jobs for the people concerned. Neither is it necessary to nail down Roscrea town as a black spot and as a consequence make it more difficult to attract new investment in industry and service employment.

Roscrea is a thriving, energetic and welcoming town. It has major infrastructural advantages in terms of industrial sites which are fully serviced and it is only one and a half hours from sea and air ports. Its people have a tremendous work ethic and record and there is no history of striking or stoppages. It is a heritage town that prides itself on its architectural heritage and monuments and other strengths.

I ask the Minister of State to use his good offices in conjunction with IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, FÁS and other agencies, to see that new jobs are created, that priority is given to those people who tonight face a daunting task as a consequence of their jobs being terminated and that proper and generous redundancy payments are made available.

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