John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made by the inter agency forum set up to address the situation following the closure announcement of Waterford Crystal's Dungarvan plant; the additional investment which has been made in the Dungarvan area through the efforts of the forum; the number of new jobs that have been created as a result of such investment; the number of former Waterford Crystal employees that have secured employment as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The inter agency forum in question was established by the Waterford County Manager. It includes representatives of the relevant Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department. The forum has put in place a coordinated response for the provision of information to the relevant employees. Presentations, which provided details on Social Welfare Benefits, Revenue, Training Opportunities, Employment Opportunities and Business Start Ups, were made to the employees. Co-ordination by the participants in the forum has ensured that information has been presented to employees in a timely and meaningful manner.

I understand that 289 workers have now completed training courses. Following those courses, all of the redundant workers were surveyed in April, 2006 to advise them of a weekly clinic provided by FÁS and other facilities available in Dungarvan. I understand that approximately half of these workers are claiming unemployment benefit. However, FÁS is continuing to meet with redundant staff and they are being encouraged to utilise the services available through the weekly FÁS Clinic in Dungarvan.

In January 2006, I announced the extension of the Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Scheme. Under this Scheme, Dungarvan is to receive €300,000 from Enterprise Ireland for the construction of a new Enterprise Centre. A further €200,000 is being provided by the Waterford County Enterprise Board. Furthermore, businesses assisted by the CEB created 40 new jobs last year and a similar number is predicted for 2006. Last August, I announced that the US based financial services company, Bisys Hedge Fund Services was to establish a new operation in Waterford that would create over 250 newjobs.

I am confident that the ongoing work of the Industrial Development agencies will continue to provide good employment opportunities for Dungarvan and the surrounding area.