Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputies have been in contact with the office and others have used the Private Notice Question to highlight this very serious issue in the midlands. I agree with Deputy Bannon that this is a very emotive issue which has an immediate impact on families and people working in Iralco. The Government is trying to do everything possible. The IDA is there at present, is in discussions and is to meet the owners tomorrow. It has been in discussions previously in terms of providing assistance and support for research and development in the context of a business plan because the company has been losing substantial amounts of money for a number of years. As I pointed out, this has been an ongoing process.

The Labour Relations Commission was involved previously in discussions with the management and the workers to secure a pay deal which could rescue the company. Unfortunately, events have moved on and a liquidator was appointed over the weekend. We very much acknowledge the pain and frustration of the families directly affected and of the broader area.

Deputy Bannon is doing himself an injustice by talking down Longford-Westmeath as an area for potential investment.

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