Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Given the closure of Castlemahon Foods and more than 300 workers now unemployed, of which the Cathaoirleach will be aware, I would like the Leader to raise this issue with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin. What are known as customised training programmes are available and people may be interested in specific training programmes. However, there is a restriction on the amount the State will pay, which is €650. With regard to workers like these, where promises are made that FÁS will give maximum assistance, we should, where possible, give the maximum assistance, whether it is a heavy goods vehicle driving course, a SafePass course or a specialist machinery course, if we are serious about getting these people back into the workplace. The Leader should raise this issue with the Minister and offer some hope to these workers who are reaching out to find a new opportunity.