Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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348. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps the Industrial Development Agency has taken thus far to source and secure a new employer for a facility (details supplied) in County Monaghan; the outcome of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20013/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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This closure, which was postponed until 29th May, is very much regretted. I travelled to Carrickmacross to discuss the issue with some of the workforce there after the announcement, and I am very conscious of the need to pursue replacement jobs in the area. I established an interagency group to co-ordinate the response from the state in terms of awareness of entitlements and opportunities for the affected staff of the company and to pursue a replacement investor. This group is chaired by Enterprise Ireland and includes representatives from IDA Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office, the Education and Training Boards from Cavan/Monaghan and Louth/Meath, and the Department of Social Protection.

The Department of Social Protection has been very active in terms of meeting the staff in relation to that Department’s services, and the Educational Training Board are pursuing relevant courses and training.

I have asked the Enterprise Agencies to redouble their efforts to drive job creation and utilise the skillset of the employees affected by this announcement, to find alternative employment. I can assure you that IDA will continue to highlight the strengths of the Border and North East regions to potential investors, and Enterprise Ireland will continue to seek to develop expansion projects by Irish companies in the area. However no specific project has yet emerged.

The existing factory is not owned by the company, but has been leased from a private owner. IDA is in discussions with relevant parties to explore what will be involved in ensuring that the facility can be available for a new investor.