Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement of the loss of 200 jobs at plants in Coolock, Dublin and Rathmore, County Kerry; the discussions she has had with the industrial development agencies with a view to securing replacement jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27453/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the job losses at the company in its plants at Coolock and Rathmore. The company is a client of Enterprise Ireland and the agency has been maintaining close contact with the company.

There have been large scale voluntary redundancies at the company in recent years. While significant progress was made over the last two to three years, the Irish operations continue to be under pressure. It was clear that further redundancies were necessary from the company's point of view.

While the news that 170 jobs in Coolock and 30 jobs in Rathmore will be lost is extremely disappointing, I am encouraged by the plans that the company has for a large scale investment in new moulded equipment and technology. The agency has provided significant support to the company's operations in relation to capital, human resource development and research and development over the years.

The Enterprise Development agencies adopt a coordinated response to deal with such situations. The agencies work together in making employees aware of the supports available to assist in finding new employment or start their own businesses. The agencies will also work to attract new investment and jobs to the areas. However, the final decision as to where projects locate rests with the promoters of the particular projects.