Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken arising from the announcement by NEC, Ballivor, County Meath, that it is to cease operations with the loss of 350 jobs; his views regarding the continuing loss of jobs in the general manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11262/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was very concerned to hear that the company in question was closing with the loss of 350 jobs. The decision to cease production was announced by the parent company on 21 February 2006. On 22 February 2006, I met with representatives of Meath County Council and the State development agencies to discuss the situation.

Finding alternative employment for the workers is a priority for the State development agencies and IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward for the workers. To date, FÁS has briefed all 350 employees on the range of services available to them. Registration and guidance interviews are due to commence on 24 March 2006 and are expected to continue for approximately three weeks. A training plan will be developed when the interviews are completed.

The workforce in Ballivor is highly skilled and the loss of these jobs will be a severe blow to the area. The industrial development agencies will strengthen their marketing efforts in County Meath. This will be done in partnership with the county council and other key players to increase the flow of potential investors for the county and to convert these into investment and job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area.

Job losses in any sector are of concern. Ireland has a predominantly modern manufacturing base which competes in a range of growth sectors. However, as with most other European countries, there are areas of activity in which Ireland's competitiveness is seriously challenged. In the main, these are in activities where labour cost is the primary driver behind business decisions. It is inevitable that the investment decisions of some companies will be influenced by the competitive attractions of alternative geographic locations.

Manufacturing has been a key driver of prosperity across the economy for many years and enterprise policies will continue to emphasise the strategic importance of the sector to future economic growth. A key element of our strategy to help enterprise is to encourage increased levels of investment in research, business related technological development and innovation across all enterprise sectors, which will assist firms to produce improved products and services with added value. In the longer term, this approach will provide both more sustainable and higher quality jobs. Our objective is to ensure that our economy remains a globally competitive, profitable and secure location for business. When provided with the best supporting and competitive environment, I am confident that business and industry can develop to capitalise on investment and growth opportunities.