Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I also express my disappointment that the Minister of State was not in a position to deal with this issue. I have met the Castlemahon workers numerous times through their union, as well as individually and collectively. They have had a highly traumatic experience after many years of loyal service to the company and have been made redundant. While the previous tranche of redundancies allowed for five weeks' pay for each year of service, those who did not opt for it now find themselves receiving statutory redundancy only.

The Government had an opportunity to return 40% of what the State recouped to the workers. The State faces lower costs in respect of redundancies when there is a liquidation and it would have been only fair to offer some form of compensation to those who are deeply traumatised in an area where there have been many job losses. Kantoher closed the previous year and was followed by Castlemahon. The opportunities for employment in the locality are extremely limited. While some of those who were made redundant have secured alternative employment, the majority have not and are finding it extremely difficult to adjust and to provide for their families. In some cases, husbands and wives have been made redundant together. I am disappointed the Minister of State was not in a position to give some recompense to the workers who were made redundant. Perhaps he will re-examine the issue at a later stage.

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