Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this most important issue for debate. Yesterday's shock announcement that Molex in Shannon was to close with 500 job losses was a devastating blow for workers, their families and the mid-west region. Many of the workers have been employed in Molex for 20 years or more and are distraught at the news. They face an uncertain future. These dedicated workers must be rewarded with a fair redundancy package that firmly recognises their length of service with this profitable global company. I believe a period of consultation with the employees is about to commence and urge the company to respond positively to its loyal workforce.

It is critical that the full resources of the State be deployed to assist the workforce in re-skilling, finding alternative employment and securing a new investor for the site. I welcome the Minister's intervention this morning when she called together all of the stakeholders in the region. I attended the meeting. It was hugely significant that all of the stakeholders were present - IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the local authority, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Shannon Group, the regional skills forum, the university and LIT. There is a willingness on their part to help the workforce. Last night I called for the establishment of a task force. In that regard, I welcome the Minister's move today to confirm that a steering group would be set up to put together a co-ordinated response to the massive number of job losses in County Clare and the mid-west region.

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