Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the devastating news about the 650 job losses at Boliden Tara mines and the thousands of jobs that are indirectly affected by this. SIPTU said the company contacted the Government six months ago about the pressure it was under and heard nothing back.

There were several contributing factors. There was a six-month delay in issuing a drilling licence. We know it was excluded from accessing the European energy fund. Government Ministers said this morning that it came out of the blue. I wrote to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on 11 May, not for a meeting with me but for a meeting with all Meath Oireachtas Members, SIPTU and the management at Boliden Tara mines. It is very disappointing that he did not facilitate that meeting when we have seen what has come down the road today.

Serious engagement is needed with the company management and workers and their representatives today. The Taoiseach must do all in his power to make sure these are temporary layoffs and that workers who have big mortgages are looked after in the meantime. I spoke to somebody last night who only got a mortgage the other day based on their job in Tara mines. These are good, well-paying jobs.

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