Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is a difficult and uncertain time for the workers and families that are impacted by the announcement that Lakeland Dairies will close a number of its facilities.

Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Lakeland Dairies over many years to assist it in its growth and development plans, and have assured me that they will engage closely with the company, seeking to ensure that the proposed closure of the factories at Coolshanagh and Lough Egish will result in a minimal impact in terms of job losses.

The Department of Social Protection leads the regional response to announcements that involve major job losses, and Enterprise Ireland's North East regional term will engage with the Department of Social Protection in this case.

In cases of redundancy announcements, there is a statutory one month period for the company to advise staff on their entitlements, potential job opportunities, and to engage in one-to-one discussions with staff. Following this process, the Department of Social Protection and the Cavan/Monaghan Education and Training Board (ETB) will engage with impacted workers on a skills profiling exercise, assistance with social welfare registration and advice on employment opportunities. Enterprise Ireland, the ETB and the Local Enterprise Office will also meet with staff to set out the range of supports and services that they can provide.

The agri-food sector remains one of our most important indigenous manufacturing sectors and we want to ensure that it continues to contribute to our vibrant rural and coastal communities and to the national economy. My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, is working directly with companies in the sector, providing funding, advisory and capability building assistance to deliver innovation and to assist in their long-term development and growth and to strengthen their competitiveness and productivity across all regions. Enterprise Ireland is not aware of any further proposed job losses in the agri-food sector in Monaghan at this time.