Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and for his commitment that he will make a serious effort to address the imbalance in north Tipperary and mid-Tipperary. I look forward to working with the Minister and with the agencies to replace that industry in Borrisoleigh.

On a general point, does the Department or the Government have any plans to deal with larger companies, such as C&C, which come in, buy up smaller companies with which they compete and then, literally, close them down? That is the major problem. Everybody concerned in Borrisoleigh believes that M.J. Gleeson and Company was a viable company and providing employment to the local people which, in turn, was a significant source of economic activity for the neighbourhood. That issue needs to be addressed so that we can prevent that happening.

The Minister did not respond on what will happen to the plant and machinery that is in Borrisoleigh, and whether the company is willing to make that available for sale or if somebody has an interest in it. Perhaps he will respond now. What will happen in that regard because there are alternatives, particularly in micro-brewing? Every effort should be made to avail of that plant and machinery.

The Minister might come to Borrisoleigh and meet the people. He might convene a meeting of the State agencies, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Tipperary County Council to see what we can do to address this horrible crisis that has befallen us.

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