David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, we received the news that Honeywell Process Solutions in Waterford is to close, with the loss of 27 jobs. That is sad for the 27 workers and their families who will be devastated by this news. It is also devastating for Waterford city to experience more job losses. The unemployment crisis in Waterford city and county at present is unsustainable and has reached a dangerous level. It simply should not be tolerated. I fully accept that we cannot blame the Government every time there is an announcement of job losses in a company, but we can blame the Government for failing to act on the very high levels of unemployment in Waterford city and county.

Last year, on behalf of the jobs committee, I published the South East Economic Development Strategy, which set out a vision for the south east. It called for action on all fronts and a multi-agency response, but that has not happened. The main priorities in that document have not been implemented. That is a real worry for people in the south east. We are still waiting for the establishment of the university. There is still no joined-up regional plan, regional IDA office, regional director or regional strategy to create and sustain jobs in Waterford city. We still have a situation where companies that wish to locate in Galway receive far more attractive regional grant aid than is available in Waterford city. There is no level playing field. The Leader will share some of my concerns.

Action by both the Government and its agencies is required across a range of areas. There is great concern in Waterford city about the very high level of unemployment and I call on the Leader to ensure that every effort is made to create and sustain jobs in the area. Promises were made to create a level playing field for the people and businesses of Waterford city and county and across the south-east region. They should be delivered and implemented as quickly as possible, before it is too late.