John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings that have taken place between the industrial development agencies in his Department and Waterford Crystal Management to assist them in ensuring there is minimal job losses as a result of their restructuring plan; if financial assistance is being offered to ensure that this industry remains in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27802/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The company in question is a client of the Industrial Development agency Enterprise Ireland. The agency has developed a committed business relationship with the company over a number of decades, and has offered support in developing the company's Irish manufacturing base and in increasing its exports.

In relation to the current situation, Enterprise Ireland has already arranged two meetings with the company. These meetings took place on 19 October and 5 November. Contact between the agency and the company will continue in the coming weeks.

I am aware that at the Annual General Meeting of Waterford Wedgewood on 11 October 2007, the company outlined that sales were down by 9% because of the impact of the dollar exchange rate which is outside of our control. The company also announced new money which would be used for root and branch restructuring of its business and that the restructuring measures must be in place before the end of the current fiscal year.

While Enterprise Ireland does not have the capacity to reverse operational decisions of any client company, it will continue to work very closely with the company during this challenging period. The agency will, of course, assist in whatever way it can.