Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress being made to respond to the services concerns of the workforce at a company (details supplied) in County Dublin following the news of the possible closure of the company; if he is in direct contact with the Industrial Development Agency in respect of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54826/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The decision by the company to commence a process which may lead to the total closure of the plant, with the loss of about 400 jobs, was taken following an extensive review by the parent company of their operations, in the context of declining revenues and shrinking international market opportunities. There are also complex changes in the dynamics of this business worldwide, which have knock-on impacts in facilities such as those in Ireland. As the Deputy will appreciate, the ultimate decision in these cases is made by the parent company, on strictly commercial grounds, and on what is seen by the company as being in the best interests of the group as a whole.

This decision is very unfortunate and a huge blow to the employees and their families. I am very concerned that everything possible should be dome to try to safeguard as much of this employment as possible. I have met senior executives of the company on three occasions since taking office and IDA have been engaged with them over recent years in an effort to find solutions to the difficult business environment they face. Unfortunately however, the challenges are very significant.

Since the announcement, IDA Ireland has met with company management and have created a profile of the staff skills and of the plant itself to help market the operation overseas. IDA will remain in on-going contact with the company and an IDA executive travelled to Germany earlier this month to meet the parent company. In addition, I have arranged that Enterprise Ireland will engage with the company to explore whatever other options might be possible, taking into account that Agency’s remit and experience in supporting the Irish-owned engineering sector.

I am conscious of the highly-skilled workforces and have asked IDA to explore the possibility of securing a takeover for the company and help market the operation overseas. I want to assure the Deputy that all that can be done by the State’s agencies in an effort to help co-ordinate activities to support the employees and secure a positive result for them if possible, is being done.