William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)

We have the lowest job creation from IDA Ireland in the State at the moment.

I wanted to talk to the Minister about Leprino. I thank him for visiting Leprino in Portlaoise and working with me and the other people. The announcement that Leprino Foods will close its facility in Portlaoise is a huge blow to us in Portlaoise, to County Laois more widely and to the 130 skilled workers who are working in Leprino, their families and the wider local community. We need urgent and co-ordinated action on this. Will the Minister confirm whether a dedicated task force will be established to bring together the Minister's Department, Laois County Council, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and all relevant stakeholders to safeguard the jobs, support affected workers and attract new investment to this site, which as the Minister knows, is a state-of-the art site? It is a site where huge investment was put in for all new builds and equipment. This site would be available for many different workforce skills and opportunities. It is just to ensure that the building continues in operation.

See this speech in context