Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Toisc nach féidir leis an Aire, an Teachta Richard Bruton, a bheith i láthair inniu, freagróidh mise an cheist ar a shon.

My first thoughts are with the workers who are being made redundant and with their families. All the State supports will be made available to any workers affected. As I understand it, the job losses announced by C&C affect a number of the company's plants nationwide. Voluntary redundancies were sought as the company restructured its Irish business and integrated the manufacturing and distribution business it acquired in 2012. In total, I understand 31 voluntary redundancies were sought in logistics, distribution depots and field sales operation, while five staff transferred to a contract haulier. I understand a further ten job losses pertain solely to one of the Tipperary plants.

The announcement by C&C is as a result of the loss of a significant private label contract with a retailer and the loss of sole supplier status with another retailer for a private label product. These events will see the reduction of the depot value from the plant concerned. The company is working to replace this business as soon as is possible. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, has directed officials from Enterprise Ireland to continue to engage with C&C management and offer any assistance possible.

Employment retention and creation continues to be the primary objective of the Government. Since we launched the Action Plan for Jobs, more than 136,000 additional jobs have been created. In County Meath, the number of people employed in Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland supported companies increased by more than 1,600 or 16% in the period from 2011 to 2015, compared with more than 1,000 job losses in Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland supported companies in the period from 2008 until 2010, which amounted to a 15% decrease. In addition, the Meath local enterprise office supports 180 small businesses and micro-companies, which added more than 150 new jobs in 2014, an increase of 24%. At the same time, the number of people on the live register in County Meath has declined by more than 29%.

As part of the Government's €250 million regional Action Plan for Jobs, a specific mid-east region Action Plan for Jobs will be published. This will seek to build on the jobs progress which has already been made. The Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, and Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, have already hosted a consultation with public and private bodies in the mid-east and the plan is in development. Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and the Meath local enterprise office will continue to work with local companies to increase the number of start-ups, grow exports and, ultimately, create the jobs we need.

I realise the Deputy's question is more specific and relates to a number of employees or former employees at the plant. Workplace Relations Commission customer service staff are available to meet the employees concerned to provide information and answer any questions on their current circumstances and statutory employment rights and entitlements.

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