Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for coming to Waterford at short notice to respond to the current crisis in the city. Deputies and public representatives from all parties and from none had ample opportunity to question the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, his officials and IDA officials on Monday last. Some of them chose not to stay at the meeting and asked only one question for 30 seconds or so.

The sudden announcement last Wednesday by Talk Talk has had a devastating impact on the city and the entire region. The treatment of the workers of Talk Talk demonstrated a lack of courtesy to the workers who have been loyal to it and to the State in which those workers live because the State has not had the opportunity or ample time to try to find alternative employment for that site. Unfortunately, the story has moved on and those workers are now left with the unenviable task of trying to seek employment or perhaps new courses or upskilling.

I point out to the Minister, the Dáil and the Government the fact that over the past five years, the live register figure in Waterford has increased from approximately 6,800 to 15,500. There is something fundamentally wrong with Government and IDA policy. The crisis Waterford is currently experiencing did not happen overnight. It is a result of continued neglect and lack of focus from the State agencies and past Governments.

Waterford and the south-east region need co-ordinated and specific attention. Waterford is a gateway city. It is a region with almost 500,000 people which does not have university. These are tangible facts that need to be addressed. What is needed is action by Government and a deep analysis as to why we have this unemployment crisis. The people of Waterford have spoken. They are worried and concerned. This problem could visit other regions quite easily and we need to stop it now while we can.

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