Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding inter-agency support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16461/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am monitoring the situation at the plant in question through the Inter-Agency Group that I set up on 3 March to coordinate the Government’s response to the proposed job losses at the company concerned. I am aware that the Inter-Agency Group is engaging with stakeholders and is exploring options for a meeting with staff representatives as soon as possible.

The Inter-Agency Group is chaired by Enterprise Ireland and membership includes the Local Enterprise Offices, IDA Ireland, the Education and Training Boards, the Department of Social Protection and Citizens Information Bureau. The first meeting of the group was held on 18 March. The group is seeking to secure alternative employment for the area affected and also to ensure that any departing workers have access to supports that they need from State agencies for retraining, access to social welfare supports, access to advice on employment rights and access to advice and support for those workers who might wish to start their own businesses.

I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the Inter Agency group is open to meeting with the company’s representatives and staff and has already made an invitation to meet these parties through the company’s management. However I understand that the staff representatives are not yet in a position to meet with the group.

I should also point out that Enterprise Ireland has had meetings with the company’s management on a weekly basis since the news of job losses broke. I have also directed the enterprise support agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, to continue their drive to find alternative projects for the area affected.