Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 9 April 2008, the services in place to support persons in Arklow being made redundant by a company (details supplied). [30235/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is actively working with Arklow Chamber of Commerce and Wicklow County Council and the management of Allergan to promote Arklow as a location for a replacement industry or alternative project. IDA has met the management of the company to begin the process of seeking a replacement industry by requesting a profile of the workforce and conducting a detailed audit of the facilities. IDA has also met with the Arklow Chamber of Commerce and Wicklow County Council to profile the strengths and attractions of the location and to put a value proposition in place to allow the agency to effectively market the location abroad.

With regard to Arklow and County Wicklow in general, IDA Ireland continues to promote the area for new business and is currently in negotiation with investors seeking to relocate and expand at the IDA business park in Arklow.

The role of FÁS, the State training agency, is particularly important in assisting those who are being made redundant. FÁS has already been in contact with the company and is providing advice and training opportunities for the employees being made redundant. FÁS is making its full range of services available to the workers, which includes:

Top level agreement with the company on responsibilities and actions;

Intensive interviews, individually and/or in groups, with affected workers that will outline the range of supports and services available;

Preparation of a 'Skills Analysis Report' by FÁS based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities;

Referral by FÁS of affected workers to jobs, training courses or other options;

Establishment by FÁS of special or customised training courses where necessary; and

On-going support and action to keep redundant workers 'in touch with the labour market'.

FÁS is presently conducting a skills analysis of all members of the Allergen workforce. Following completion of this exercise, Enterprise Ireland, along with Wicklow CEB, will assess the skills base and meet with the employees to discuss their options outlining how EI and the CEB can best serve their needs.

Enterprise Ireland has supported indigenous industry in Arklow and has given substantial financial support ( €782,000) to the Arklow Enterprise Centre.

A significant number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Co. Wicklow are actively growing their businesses and creating employment. In 2006 and 2007 EI approved financial funding of €4.8m and €3.9m respectively to Wicklow-based firms that are committed to increasing their sales exports and employment.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the State Development agencies and other interested parties together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will continue to bear fruit in terms of investment and employment for Co. Wicklow in general and Arklow in particular.