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

Immediately after the announcement by the company concerned, I established an inter-agency group to co-ordinate the response to the proposed job losses. The group, chaired by Enterprise Ireland, will seek to secure alternative employment in the area affected and ensure departing workers will have access to supports they need from State agencies in seeking retraining, access to social welfare supports, advice on employment rights and advice and support for those workers who intend to start their own businesses. The group includes local enterprise offices, IDA Ireland, Solas, the education and training boards, the Department of Social Protection, the MABS, the Northside Partnership and the Citizens Information Bureau.

Enterprise Ireland has held meetings at all three of the sites affected by the proposed rationalisation. The inter-agency group made it clear that it stood ready to meet unions and staff representatives at any stage. This offer was deemed premature while discussions between the company and the union were still at a preliminary stage. However, the group remains ready to meet employee representatives at their convenience. Enterprise Ireland has been in contact with the company on a continuous basis regarding the assistance it can provide for the restructuring plan.

I understand management and employee representatives are in discussions on a variety of issues. I also understand the inter-agency group has been in direct contact with a representative of the workers and that a meeting is being arranged.

I continue to monitor the position very closely. The Labour Relations Commission stands ready to assist in the negotiations. Enterprise Ireland has held meetings with the company’s management on a weekly basis since the announcement of the proposed job losses. I have directed Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to continue their drive to find alternative projects for the area affected.

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