Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)

I echo the sentiments expressed by Deputy Tom Fleming. To put this matter in context, in 2008 Aetna celebrated the 20th anniversary of its presence in Castleisland. At the time, the president of Aetna Global Benefits, Martha R. Temple, said the Castleisland facility had gained an excellent reputation within Aetna as having a highly skilled and productive workforce and said: "we ... mark our 20th anniversary in Ireland with this expansion and a clear commitment for the future." That was only three years ago and the company's profits last year rose by 25%.

We now have a highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce which has worked in a place where not only was there an ethos of diligence, but there was no drama. The workforce performed in a manner that can only be described as exemplary. It is something that should be emulated in the region, which is now an unemployment blackspot.

A consultation process has taken place. The Deputies from north and south Kerry and west Limerick have met with the company's representatives but it appears that the job losses are a fait accompli. If this is the case, the consultation period should not be continued for a further two weeks as this will only give the company the means of smoothing the transfer, which is a global strategic change for the betterment of its balance sheet and no other purpose. It is at its peril that the company risks losing a skilled workforce and outsourcing its business to China, India and elsewhere, which it is considering.

Three Ministers must be notified of this matter, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, and the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy James Reilly. The universal health care system offers the potential for redeploying this workforce within the State. They have experience, education and a proven track record in medical benefits systems. They have provided an exemplary service in the private sector and have an ethos and tacit knowledge that cannot be bought. We must seek to redeploy these people and bring this country to a better position.

The IDA has a role to play and I have brought the matter to its attention. A contingency plan is required. The IDA knows the company has international competitors and if it is willing to forgo the expertise built up over 23 years, the IDA should look at its competitors and companies in Ireland and ask them if there is a potential opportunity with this facility to redeploy these people and give something to north Kerry, west Limerick and west Cork. Ireland is in a black hole of economic depression and this international event is bad news. I ask for its assistance.

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