Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter but I am very disappointed that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is not in the Chamber. This is a critical issue for the people in Limerick. Some 3,000 staff in Dell are worried about their jobs and their futures in Limerick. There is no person in Limerick without a family member, neighbour or friend working in Dell, or in some way associated with it. The company is an integral part of Limerick and has been a fantastic employer. We want it to continue to be so.

There has been a veil of silence from the Government regarding the future of Dell. In view of the growing uncertainty and confusion about the future of the company, it requires urgent clarification. I ask the Tánaiste to give a comprehensive statement, even though she is not in the Chamber. The Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, is in the Chamber and I mean no disrespect to him but this is of such grave importance to Limerick and requires clarification that the Tánaiste should be here.

I raised the matter yesterday when both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach were present. I asked if the Tánaiste could confirm or deny if she or any member of the Government were contacted directly or indirectly by Dell about the future plans for the Limerick plant and what steps she would take to avert what would be an appalling disaster for Limerick and the mid-west. I seek a comprehensive statement on this issue. I wrote to the Taoiseach on 12 September, over three weeks ago. I received a response on 25 September and it was like getting a response from the HSE. It was passed onto the Tánaiste and I have yet to receive a reply from her. Dell is a great employer for the area with over 3,000 staff and of interest to thousands more. The Government must clear the air for once and for all and spell out exactly what is Dell's position and what steps it has taken to avert this crisis.

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