Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

It is with regret that the Government learned of the closure of SR Technics in Dublin Airport. I thank the Deputies for raising the matter and I know the Tánaiste's office has been in contact with Deputy Broughan in the context of arranging a meeting next week to discuss the issue. All Members of the Dáil know well the impact that job losses have on a community, individuals and families. These job losses will have a major impact on the employees and the broader community. Fianna Fáil members also had a meeting tonight to discuss this issue so everybody on all sides of the House shares the concerns of the Deputies opposite.

The Government learned about the closure of SR Technics recently, although the company's operation in Cork, which employs approximately 200 persons, remains unaffected. The Tánaiste met with representatives of the company on 11 February, along with the Secretary General of the Department and the chief executive officer of IDA Ireland. A number of meetings had taken place between State officials, agencies and the company in the past year. The company explained that it had been exploring all options for its Dublin operations, including a sale to another party. Unfortunately, it was determined that it was not possible to proceed with any of these options.

The company explained the global deterioration that had taken place in its business since mid-2008, with contracts moving to eastern Europe, Jordan, Turkey and Malta. The company confirmed that it was putting in place a five-year restructuring plan and that it had already reduced its worldwide workforce by 500 in the past year. The company stated that the recent loss of major contracts, current business and economic forecasts, along with the high cost base and over-capacity at Dublin Airport, made it impossible to continue a sustainable business in Dublin.

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