Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he intends to take to provide alternative employment in County Limerick following the appointment of a provisional liquidator to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31919/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was disappointed to hear that a Liquidator had been appointed to the company in question. The relevant State agencies will provide every support they can and the role of the Industrial Training agency FAS will be particularly important in assisting those who lose their jobs. That agency has arranged a meeting with the company for today, 11 October 2006 and the full range of FAS services are being offered at the meeting.

On 3 October 2006, my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food, accompanied by Enterprise Ireland, met with a group representing the producers that supply live chickens to the company and I understand that various scenarios in regard to the operation were discussed. Shannon Development also met with this group on 9 October 2006. I will be meeting with Castlemahon representatives this evening.

Shannon Development has moved quickly to assist with efforts to minimise the effect of the closure on West Limerick. The agency will continue to identify opportunities to assist those effected and has held a meeting of the West Limerick Action Group, a local Group chaired by Shannon Development comprising key local groups in the area. Shannon Development, together with representatives from County Limerick CEB and West Limerick Resources Ltd., has met with public representatives in the area to discuss how the agency can support those effected by the closure. As well as these particular initiatives, the agency will be staying in close contact with the Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce.

A central goal for the Industrial Development agencies is the achievement of balanced regional development. The attractiveness of Limerick lies in its position as a regional gateway, with a critical mass and infrastructure necessary to attract mobile investment to the region. Both the Government and the agencies recognise the need to provide high volume employment opportunities in Limerick that provide sustainable jobs. The most recent example in Limerick was the announcement by Northern Trust Corporation to create 300 high quality jobs in the financial services sector. Another example is Vistakon, which recently announced its intentions to expand its Limerick operations and create some 120 jobs in high-end manufacturing.

Both the Government and the agencies recognise the need to provide high volume employment opportunities in Limerick that provide sustainable jobs. I am confident that the State Development agencies, in partnership with other key players, will strengthen their marketing and promotion efforts in the region and will make every effort to secure alternative employment for the area.