Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was a privilege yesterday to meet Trevor, the representatives of SIPTU and the team, who are working so hard on behalf of employees on the ground, and to see their passion and what the plant means to the fabric of Drogheda because it is a very significant employer. I did agree to take a submission from Trevor but I was equally clear, as I have to be, that I was in no way raising expectations because we have to be honest with people who are in a distressing situation when they get news such as this. I reaffirmed our full commitment to working with all the staff members there and to bringing their views to the global headquarters in New York, where we will point out some of the key issues Trevor, the shop steward, and the team have been raising in connection with management, along with lines they think should continue.

Again, however, we are being very honest. I can point out these matters but it is a decision the board has made. It has reaffirmed that decision with its global board and we have to respect that. Equally, however, Drogheda has a lot of bright areas on which we work, such as the 157 acres of landbank between it and Dundalk, and we are prepared to work as hard as we can in the coming weeks.

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