Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak during this urgent debate on the job losses at Cadbury's chocolate factory in Coolock. This is a bad and sad blow to all of the staff of Cadbury and their families. It is also a significant blow to the people on the north side of Dublin. The staff, their family members and the people of my constituency have been gutted by the announcement of 145 job losses. It is a severe blow to the local economy, particularly when the company is making considerable profits in this country. We all have many friends and neighbours working for Cadbury. It is a major loss across the north side of Dublin.

Given the references to cost differences and restructuring, many of the remaining staff are worried about the future and the deterioration of their working conditions. At today's meeting, the Minister and Enterprise Ireland stated that the company's long-term interests were good, but that is not what I am hearing on the ground. Staff are worried about their pensions and their terms and conditions of employment. The TUPE issue is a significant concern for many staff, particularly electricians and fitters. The Minister needs to address these matters in his response.

A profitable company is claiming that it is investing more while also laying off staff and destroying working terms and conditions. Did IBEC play a role in this? A recent report in the Financial Timesstated categorically that there was overwhelming evidence of higher levels of pay increasing productivity. We must be careful to ensure that this instance is not just another race to the bottom. Let us hope that this company is not just harvesting expertise and experience before heading back with its money to Zurich or Poland. I urge action on this company. The north side needs jobs, investment and the Government's support.

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