Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding employment creation following the closure of a company (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19287/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the company in question offered its employees an opportunity to take up alternative positions in either its food ingredient operations in Charleville where a major expansion is taking place, or Listowel, County Kerry where demand for workers is also increasing. An out placement consultant was also on site to assist those employees who were not interested in this offer of alternative employment and the full services of FÁS are being provided for those workers who wish to avail of the agency's services. I understand that some 100 of the 138 workers who lost their jobs now have alternative employment.

In addition, I understand that the company is prepared to deal with any client that may be interested in locating in the existing plant. Shannon Development and the local county enterprise board have already identified three companies that might do so. If successful, this could result in a number of jobs being replaced. A consultant facilitator has been put in place to help the local community put together an overall business plan and strategy for the future.

The west Limerick working group which was recently established is focusing on proactive initiatives to help the communities in west Limerick generally. The State development agencies are working closely with the west Limerick working group and, following my recent visit to the area which included a meeting with the group, I have asked the agencies to provide all available support as a matter of priority.