John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. My understanding is that following the appointment of a receiver last week by the bank concerned, an interim examiner was appointed by the High Court to the company in question on 20 June. I believe examinership is a good option for companies that have real prospects for the future but find themselves in financial difficulty at a point in time. Examinership is, however, a balanced procedure, taking into account both the interests of the ailing company and the rights of the creditors and giving the courts a role in ensuring a fair and appropriate outcome.

As I have indicated, I understand the High Court appointed an interim examiner to the company on foot of an ex parteapplication on 20 June. The High Court fixed 26 June for the hearing of the petition and ordered that notice be given to a number of interested parties. It is a requirement of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1990 that a court cannot appoint an examiner to a company without giving creditors an opportunity to be heard. As the matter is before the court, the Deputy will appreciate that nothing should be said this evening that would be seen to interfere with this process.

As the matter is before the court, the Deputies will appreciate that nothing should be said in the debate that would be seen to interfere with this process. The court will have the final say in the appointment of an examiner and we must be careful to respect this.

I am conscious of the anxiety the appointment of an interim examiner to the company concerned creates for the workers involved and their families, as well as their local communities. General employment rights information is available to employers and employees by contacting the workplace relations customer service at 1890 808090 and on its website www.workplacerelations.ie.

I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland that it has had limited engagement with the company concerned. In 2007 the agency paid the company a €4,500 Enterprise Ireland environment management grant. Although Enterprise Ireland does not fund companies to assist them to trade on the domestic market, its potential exporters division was in contact with the company to discuss exporting options and understands it is not currently exporting. The agency, therefore, was not in a position to assist.

Employment retention and creation continue to be our primary objectives and we have worked hard to create the improved economic conditions which will support the maintenance of existing jobs and the creation of new ones. A robust economy capable of capturing new opportunities and sustaining jobs requires a medium to

long-term vision. An Action Plan for Jobs is a key pillar of the delivery of that goal and the Government has focused on creating a supportive environment for businesses operating in Ireland. Enterprise development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, have been to the fore in delivering on the commitments set out in the plan.

We consider it important that the impact on employment in County Carlow should be minimised and the State enterprise agencies and the Carlow Local Enterprise Office will continue to make every effort they can to develop new employment opportunities. Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs. The LEO has responsibility and it is up and running.

In addition to marketing County Carlow for new investment, IDA Ireland works with its existing client companies in the county with a view to encouraging them to grow and embed their business in the county. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with all its client companies in County Carlow and works closely with them to ensure their long-term sustainability and encourage their growth, development and continuing reinvestment in their sites. The primary opportunity for regional locations is in respect of the existing client base and potential further investment.

I am confident that the measures outlined in An Action Plan for Jobs, together with other policies and initiatives being pursued by the State agencies in County Carlow, will continue to support enterprise development and provide employment opportunities. The agencies will continue to work closely with each other and local interests to support an integrated approach to job creation in the county.

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