Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a dedicated section within his Department responsible for identifying plants that may be at risk, in order that there can be early intervention with a view, to where possible, saving jobs at risk or otherwise minimising the number of job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16549/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates an early warning system of firms in difficulty and where jobs are at risk. The system applies to firms that have been assisted by the Industrial Development agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. Notifications of firms in difficulty and where jobs are at risk are received from these agencies as soon as the agencies become aware of the situation.

I should point out that the information is provided on a confidential basis and it must remain confidential as, invariably, it is commercially sensitive information. Such information could be of benefit to national or international competitors in the context of industrial projects already established in this country and our ability to attract further projects in the future.

I know that the Industrial Development agencies are in regular contact with their clients. The agencies would look to anticipate potential problems and are always prepared and available to assist companies in whatever way they can in order to minimise or avoid job losses if at all possible.