Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has held discussions in the last 18 months with management of a company (details supplied) regarding the future of its two factories in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick and Mallow, County Cork; if not if he has plans to do so in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21770/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland is in constant contact with Kostal both in Ireland and in Germany. A number of meetings have been held with local Irish management and parent company management recently and further meeting are planned. I am aware of the difficult automotive environment over the past 18 months, from which Kostal is now emerging. The company is well positioned to benefit as the market improves given its reputation/market leadership positions and its ongoing investment in new technology and people.

IDA is fully engaged with Kostal to secure the long term future of its operations in Abbeyfeale and Mallow. The Agency also engages closely with the German parent, Kostal Gmbh to identify and explore opportunities to transform Kostal Ireland as a Centre of Excellence for electronics in the Group and maintain its leadership position within this sector through investment in new technology, training and research and development. IDA continues to explore opportunities in the wider Group with local and parent company management in positioning Ireland as a key location for future investment. It is my intention to meet with many important companies for Ireland, such as Kostal, over the coming period.