Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Like Deputy O'Donnell I am very disappointed that the Tánaiste has not come to the House tonight. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, will be able to give us answers. We need them and we also need action because there are over 3,000 people working for Dell. It is a very significant employer for the region and is extremely important not only for those directly employed but for a number of other companies that feed into or out of it. A considerable number of families are dependent on Dell. We have heard a variety of stories in the international press stating that there is a question mark over Dell worldwide, and specifically over the Limerick plant.

I tabled a question to the Minister last week and she told me that the IDA has been engaged in extensive discussions with the company at the highest level and that she has been fully briefed. She has not told us more than that, however. We must know more and the workers in particular must know exactly what is happening. I urge the Minister to clarify the situation. I will go further than that. I want the Minister to go to Dell headquarters and talk to the company, to assure them, first, of its importance in Ireland and also of its productivity. Dell has been good to Limerick but Limerick has been good to Dell. It has produced a fine productive work force and that basis has enabled Dell to go to other countries and set up plants in them. Limerick cannot now be let down by Dell.

I am convinced that if the Minister went to the company and assured it of the full support of the Government and of governmental concern that the plant be maintained in Ireland, then there would be a successful outcome. We see Ministers going to all parts of the world trying to attract industry here. Surely it is much more important, or at least as important, to go to companies when there is a question mark over them and make sure to take proactive action. It is better to do that before we get to a situation wringing our hands because the company has made an announcement that cannot be turned around. I urge the Minister to go to Dell, express these concerns and offer the full support of the Government in maintaining the plant in Limerick.

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