Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I absolutely agree that our first thoughts must be with the workers. This is a really tough day for them. I have spoken to the company and I am reassured that it will give full support both in terms of the package of support and assistance in terms of retaining. I am also heartened that the company is absolutely committed to this site. As the Deputy will know, it is also making significant investments in the site to develop it further and it has been an award winning site both within the company and externally. The company is absolutely fully committed to it. It is making investments that will see the quality of production in this site improve and grow more competitive for the long-term future.

As the Deputy said, the company is very committed not only to Clonmel but nationally. It employs 3,200 nationally across 11 sites. Although it is a sad day for the 200 affected, I am reassured of the company's full commitment.

In terms of the south east, I have established a South East Action Plan, I have all the agencies working together to promote the south east, which includes south Tipperary, and I am heartened by the progress that is being made. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to have a focus both on south Tipperary and the wider south-east region because, as the Deputy said, it is one that has been particularly badly affected in recent years and needs the spotlight upon it, as we have given it in the South East Action Plan.

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