Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. There was a deep sense of shock in Tipperary town last Thursday afternoon when the workforce, and then the population at large, were informed that in the principal factory in the town 150 out of 230 people would lose their jobs between the end of May and October. Pall Corporation was a replacement industry for Tambrands, which closed some years ago.

This announcement came completely out of the blue, particularly as only a few months ago there were discussions about expanding the plant rather than reducing it. It has been acknowledged by everyone concerned that the workforce is excellent. There were no complaints of any kind about the quality of what was produced. One part of the plant produces medical filters while the other part produces industrial filters.

The Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, visited the town on Thursday before the meeting took place. However, he was alerted that something was happening and he took the trouble to talk to IDA Ireland about the problem, both when he arrived and before he left. The decision was taken by the company headquarters in New York, without awareness of the devastating consequences for the people of the town. I have heard the decision described as shameful.