Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Since I stood in the Chamber yesterday, the devastating news of 500 job losses at Abbott Galway has been confirmed. One of the factors involved is the axing of the Shannon-Heathrow route by the Government. I ask that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment intervene and work with IDA Ireland, Abbott Galway workers and Galway Chamber of Commerce to put a range of measures in place to address the job losses' serious impact.

This may just be the beginning of the result of the axing. Shannon Airport provided connectivity between the west and the rest of the world. The Government must be ready for such fallout and have a range of measures in place. I ask the Leader to request that the Minister intervene and meet the workers, IDA Ireland and the Galway Chamber of Commerce.