Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Much of what is in the reply anyway, as Deputy Dooley will be aware, is the process and engagement that has taken place with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the employees. As the Deputy will be aware, the Department also attended the Avara premises in June of this year to facilitate the speedy issue of the public service cards etc.

Of course, I share Deputy Dooley's concerns in relation to the employees.

I am not privy to the contacts that the liquidator has had with the original company concerned but I am sure the liquidator has made every effort. As Deputy Dooley will be aware, this is ongoing since August. The liquidator has made many special efforts to ensure that the jobs are being saved at the company itself. If the jobs are saved, it is important for us to ensure that there is continuity of employment for those loyal employees who have given long loyal years of service in that company. The company is potentially viable. The company is only operating at 30% to 40% of capacity. From that point of view, I believe there is a future for this company. I believe that the liquidator is working hard to ensure the viability of the company moving forward. Let us wait and see in relation to, first, the viability of the company.

While I am answering for Deputy Regina Doherty in her capacity as Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, I am not answering it in my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Of course, for me, the priority is to have these jobs saved in Shannon. Only last week in Shannon I announced 25 jobs. We do not want to be losing jobs in the mid-west region.

As I am sure the local Oireachtas Members will be aware, every effort is being made by the liquidator to save these important jobs in Shannon. Deputy Dooley will be aware the company is in liquidation and there is little anyone can do outside of that. The liquidator is the boss here, but we will try to ensure the jobs are saved. I will take on board what Deputy Dooley has said and will pass on that information to those concerned.

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