Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

I brought the issue to the attention of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, six months ago. It is a devastating blow to see a "For Sale" sign on the building for the past two months. The premises is state-of-the-art and comprises approximately 16,000 sq. ft. It is located in a town that has been devastated in an area of County Kerry that has been totally neglected. Many of the 120 staff who are capable and skilled people are not in any way confident about gaining work in the near future. Some of them have left this country. I urge the Minister to intervene at this late stage because I got positive statements last November about the IDA placing suitable industry in the vacant premises. I am most disappointed with what I have heard this evening.

I raised the matter in the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education with Mr. Barry O'Leary the chief executive of the IDA. I am most disappointed because he was supposed to come back to me with a report on the matter but he never did.

On the Pretty Polly plant in Killarney, I compliment the mayor of Killarney, Sean Counihan, and his fellow councillors, who are like a band of IDA representatives themselves. They have to go out alone to seek suitable employment in the fine premises in Killarney. It is very sad that we are being let down by the State agencies. We have been let down by the Government. I do not wish to point the finger at any Minister but it is time to buck up and grasp the nettle and give us fair play in County Kerry.

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