Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply and thank also the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, who was helpful and forthcoming during our discussions on the Private Notice Question.

I compliment the liquidators, Mr. McStay, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Bolger, Mr. Kenny and all involved in this matter. Everybody has put their shoulder to the wheel and we now have a window of opportunity of six months. I accept it was a matter for the company to opt to go into liquidation rather than examinership. I was surprised by this decision as were some of the workforce. Thankfully, the situation has been unscrambled and an opportunity now exists for the company to be sold as a going concern to ensure the maximum number of jobs, if not all, are protected.

Did the IDA, which I know was working closely with this company, receive from the company in the 48 to 72 hours prior to its announcement any signal it was going to close bearing in mind the far-reaching effects this would have on employees? The company had a full order book which would have ensured its operation for some time. There may be industrial relations issues to be resolved but employees have not received a pay increase since 2005. It is hoped all of these matters can be addressed now.

In the experience of the Department, was it unusual that this company announced its intention to close without providing it with 48 hours notice in this regard?

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