Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement regarding the loss of 350 jobs following the closure of the NEC plant in Ballivor, County Meath; and the actions the Government intends to take to create alternative employment for those affected. [8058/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am concerned that the company in question is closing with the loss of 350 jobs. The decision to cease production at Ballivor, which was taken by the parent company, was announced on 21 February 2006. I met representatives of Meath County Council and the State development agencies the following day to discuss the follow-up to the closure announcement. The priority of the State development agencies is to find alternative employment for the workers. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward for the workers. The role of the State training agency, FÁS, will be particularly important in assisting those who are to lose their jobs. The agency has contacted the company. An action plan will be generated following a period of consultation and planning with the company and employee representatives. The agency will make its full range of services available to the workers if they wish to avail of them. The workforce in Ballivor is highly skilled. The loss of the 350 jobs will be a severe blow to the area. The industrial development agencies will strengthen their marketing efforts in County Meath, in partnership with the county council and other key players, to increase the flow of potential investors to the county. The bodies in question will try to convert those efforts into investment and job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area.