Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues in speaking about this company, which is in grave difficulties. The other two Members have outlined the position and the calibre of jobs about which we speak. The Taoiseach spoke about those types of jobs on his election and the need for this country to have such jobs. It is essential that we do everything possible, and I call on the head of IDA Ireland in particular to find replacement jobs for these employees and to keep those jobs in Cork. This is not just a Cork issue; it is a national issue because of the type of jobs involved.

From a personal point of view, one of my relatives returned from the United States to work in Freescale. He was working in a highly technical job in the US and returned here with his three children to work in this company this time last year. As outlined, many other people are in a similar position in that they came back to Ireland to take up these positions. I ask the Minister of State to urge the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and IDA Ireland in particular to make every effort possible to secure those people's jobs.