Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

——and Midleton, from which I come and in which Erin Foods was located. I worked there myself for a couple of summers and both factories also have closed. I assure Senator Kelly that I understand and am concerned about the consequences of job losses and their effects on the workers concerned, their families and the community. The role of FÁS, the State training agency, is particularly important in the first instance by offering assistance to workers who lose their jobs. The agency's full range of services are available if the workers wish to avail of them. I assure those concerned that the State development agencies are providing all possible assistance. The priority is to increase employment opportunities for Thurles and the surrounding area.

As recently as last month, my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Micheál Martin, gave an undertaking in the Dáil to develop a co-ordinated and cohesive response to the current situation in Thurles. In this regard, I understand that the Minister has already met the chief executives of the industrial development agencies to discuss marketing, promotion, investment and job creation for Thurles and the surrounding area. I understand the Minister also had a meeting on this issue with Senator Kelly's constituency colleagues, the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, and Deputy Lowry earlier this week. Perhaps they will be able to help the Senator.