Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I asked when was the Minister made aware of this. What level of engagement has she or her officials had with the company to ascertain whether or not these jobs are gone? They state "potential" job losses. It is in no one's interest that they camouflage the true reality of what is going on here. The minimum the staff deserve is openness and honesty from this company that they have worked so loyally for over the years.

Will the Minister make an application to the globalisation adjustment fund?

The Minister referred in her reply to a decrease in unemployment. That is to be welcomed, but my region's unemployment rate is still almost three percentage points higher than the national average. In fact, in quarter 1 of 2016 we saw an increase in unemployment in this region and since then we have had two announcements of significant job losses of which I am aware: 87 job losses in Mullingar and this one of 170 job losses in Longford. This region has been left behind over the past number of years and the figures confirm this. The Government and its predecessor have focused on the greater Dublin area from which 51% of GDP comes.

Longford and the midlands is a fantastic place to look at relocating business, given its proximity to Dublin and the amenities there. One need not queue up overnight to gain access to schools and there is affordable housing in the area.

The Minister might look at two businesses. Abbott Diagnostics, located in Longford, is looking to expand because it is one of the most efficient diagnostic plants worldwide. The Minister referred to Centre Parc in her reply. When Mr. Martin Dalby was in Ballymahon this week, he was amazed at the efficiency with which the Longford local authority dealt with the company's planning application, the turnaround time and its pro-business attitude to that application.

We need a special task force for this area. We need to prioritise this area. I want to have published a plan with an implementation timeline setting out what this Government will do to bring about replacement jobs for this area.

Finally, can the Minister answer the question? Will she or her representative be present at the meeting in Longford County Council at 1 o'clock on Monday?

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