Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

This is the first opportunity I have had to congratulate Deputy Killeen on his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I wish him well in the years ahead.

What steps will be taken to secure replacement jobs in view of the closure of Ezy Koter Limited, Virginia, County Cavan? This is a pressing issue. Last week, the announcement of the pending closure of Ezy Koter Limited was a devastating blow to the east Cavan region. For over 20 years the company has brought huge benefit to the Virginia area. Ezy Koter Limited manufactures paint rollers and trays but the company has found itself unable to compete against cheaper imports manufactured in Asia. This Easter, 46 people will lose their jobs with the closure of the plant and this has been a major blow to Mullagh, Maghera, Munterconnaught, Virginia and the surrounding area.

It appears that the company will offer a good redundancy package to those affected but replacement jobs must be an immediate priority. While IDA Ireland carries the main responsibility for ensuring that a replacement industry is found, I urge the Minister and his Department to redouble their efforts in job creation in this area of Cavan. I call on FÁS to visit the factory and conduct a skills audit of the workforce and, where necessary, provide training for those who require it to assist them in obtaining alternative employment.

I am aware from the chief executive officer of Cavan County Enterprise Board, Mr. Vincent Reynolds, that a number of people are interested in purchasing this valuable asset of 30,000 sq. ft. of factory space. I urge the Minister to provide any assistance he can in this regard. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, has been in contact with the Minister and I, along with my colleague, local councillor Shane O'Reilly, support him in his endeavours to find a replacement industry.

Deputy Brendan Smith also had discussions at the end of last week with senior officials in both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland about the urgent need to provide new jobs in the Virginia area. The county manager, Mr. Jack Keyes, my colleagues on Cavan County Council and the county enterprise board will support the national development agencies in their task to create jobs locally.