Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for raising this important matter. Like him, all our concerns and priorities at the moment are with the workers and their families in HP Inc. Thank God this is not a common occurrence these days where the line of investment into the country continues to remain very strong. I thank the workers for the efforts they have put in over the years since Hewlett Packard came to Leixlip in 1995.

I can confirm to the Deputy that IDA Ireland has been involved intensely with Hewlett Packard over the last period and the chief executive travelled out specifically to southern California to talk to the HR personnel at Hewlett Packard some time ago. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation spoke to the principals in Hewlett Packard last week, but unfortunately the company was not turning from the decision it had made. The efforts made over the period by IDA Ireland and the Minister were, in the end, in vain because the company decided that the particular product in HP Inc. was to be discontinued. The Minister will be answering questions here later today.

I can confirm to Deputy Martin that Department of Social Protection staff will involve themselves directly with the workforce in the plant, but they need to be invited in there. It would mean that workers in the HP Inc. plant would not have to go through the Intreo offices and could deal directly with Department of Social Protection staff who will go to the plant to engage with the workers and advise them of their benefits and rights. I understand that the company intends that there would be an enhanced severance package to employees as well as information about outplacement and support thereafter.

I have no knowledge of a briefing from any source in Government on this matter. These days, however, it is very hard to know where any information comes from. Privacy does not seem to be considered by everybody anymore. In any event, it is unfortunate that workers heard about this on the national airwaves before they had the opportunity to be informed by the management of the workforce.

This is a brilliant location, it is a fabulous building and it has multiple uses. It could be sold as a going concern. IDA Ireland and the Minister's efforts will now be to provide an alternative in what is a superb location. I can confirm to the Deputy that the line of investment enquiries into the country is very strong. That does not just help the workforce today. One hopes that with the efforts of IDA Ireland and the Ministers for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Social Protection, we will see to it that in so far as the State can offer it, support will be given and that a replacement will be found in order that people can be retrained in the shortest possible time for this particular location.

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