Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The parent company of SR Technics insisted on confidentiality. It probably could be said the Dublin Airport Authority breached confidentiality even by indicating talks were taking place. The decision to close the Dublin facility was conveyed to the IDA by SR Technics at a meeting with the Tánaiste on 11 February. I received an e-mail directly from the IDA that states it was aware for some months before that date, both from information that my Department passed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its own sources, that the company was engaged in a major review of group operations that would have consequences for the Dublin facility. It was in this context that local management asked the IDA for help in putting in place a package that could be given to the parent company. The loss of jobs will be considerable.

The Deputy asked me what the Government was doing. It continues in its efforts. The Tánaiste, through her agencies, has been meeting anybody who has expressed a reasonable interest in saving any or all of the jobs. There are ongoing talks in this regard. The relevant State agencies should be allowed to get on with this. The less heat generated in respect of this matter over the next few days, the better all round.

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