Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, on Rehab, I fully recognise the work carried out by the workforce. The Deputy said they had a major role during Covid and worked extensively in that time. They have a good sewing, trimming and cutting process, producing garments of the highest quality for clients in industry, pharmaceuticals, food and transportation. They have a very good reputation. It is important that Rehab talks to its parent Department, from which it receives most of its funding, as a matter of urgency.

The Deputy has mentioned the very serious news for workers in Tara Mines. It would be unreal if I did not respond. I do not have a script on it. I send our support from the Government. I listened to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the radio. He has spoken to the chief executive. In the interview on RTÉ Radio 1 this morning, as I recollect, he talked about a period of months. Over the coming weeks, while the work is winding down, the issue is to keep the mine in a safe condition so that when conditions improve, it can open quickly and there is not another six-month delay getting it back in order. I appeal to the company to keep the mine ready for opening, not just when there is a price increase. That would take another six months if it is not kept up to the required standard.

Everybody in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Social Protection will be involved with the workforce immediately. No details have been worked out, I understand, in the context of how long the period will be or what compensation will be paid. I understand there was a briefing on the matter for employees last night. I do not know the detail of what was discussed. It is a shock for the entire workforce, but it is a bolt out of the blue for the country as well to have a big employer of that scale taking a hit like this. Our thoughts are with the workforce and their families at this time.

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