Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister would like to thank Deputy McGinley for raising this important issue today. He would like to emphasise that the loss of any jobs in any Gaeltacht industry is a cause of concern for him and for Údarás na Gaeltachta, and that he can understand the Deputy's concern.

Both the Minister and Údarás na Gaeltachta very much regret the decision taken by Largo Foods Exports Limited to lay off a total of 123 full-time equivalent jobs in its subsidiary companies on the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park. The company has had to take this decision due to increased competition in the market, the unfavourable euro-sterling exchange rate and high production costs. Certain production activities carried out by the Largo Foods subsidiary companies on the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park will be transferred to its automated production plant in Ashbourne, County Meath. Údarás na Gaeltachta understands that this decision is necessary to secure the business into the future.

The Minister welcomes the decision by Largo Foods Exports Limited to continue its development and production of high value-added products on the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park. This will leave 129 full-time equivalent jobs in Largo Foods or its subsidiaries in Gaoth Dobhair, which the Minister believes shows the commitment that the company has in this Gaeltacht area. Údarás na Gaeltachta will work with the company on a continuous basis in its efforts to develop and sustain its business. Arrangements will be made with employees who are to lose their jobs to register with Údarás na Gaeltachta if they are interested in receiving information on employment opportunities or improving their skills.

While these job losses have been a great blow to the area, an t-údarás will continue its efforts to attract new investment to the area, and the Minister is confident that it will do so. A lot of investment is being made into Gaoth Dobhair Business Park, including Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair, which includes a multi-use cultural and community centre at a cost of more than €8 million.

The Minister would like to assure the House that his Department is working with Údarás na Gaeltachta in its ongoing work to generate and sustain employment in the Gaeltacht. In this context, his Department has provided €35 million to Údarás na Gaeltachta for its works programme in 2009. The Minister is confident that through the full co-operation between himself, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, that these great efforts will be rewarded with the provision of worthwhile, sustainable employment for the people of the Donegal Gaeltacht.

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