Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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12. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on his engagements with a company (details supplied) during their period of examinership; the supports and advice available to workers who will lose their jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49708/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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On 3rd of June 2025, Wellman International announced that they were entering Examinership to seek assistance in locating a buyer / investor for the site in Mullagh, Co. Cavan. Since then, IDA Ireland has implemented its job losses protocols involving established internal processes for dealing with situations of potential job losses with one of its client companies.

Officials in my Department have assured me that IDA Ireland is actively engaged with the company, including meetings with the leadership team on a regular basis. IDA Ireland, in conjunction with the company, has actively explored all avenues of opportunity for the site and impacted employees since this announcement.

I understand that the Examiner has identified a potential investor (UG World), which was presented to the High Court on the 10th of September 2025. The High Court has also approved a scheme to right size the plant, with 138 jobs to be retained. The Deputy will understand that I cannot comment on the Examinership which is a High Court led process.

In addition, the IDA Ireland regional team continues to partner with local agencies, to support impacted employees due to this announcement by the company. There is an established process of coordinated engagement by support agencies at a local level to provide supports to employees in consultation with the company.

The types of supports and initiatives provided by local agencies has been communicated to the site leadership and includes:

1. Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs/Skillnet, etc.) to support impacted employees.
2. Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site which, with agreement, can be shared with other potential site leaders that maybe recruiting. Wellman leadership has provided IDA with a full employee skills audit.
3. IDA has agreed with the company and engaged with the examiner to help market the site and business across its global office network. Wellman has provided IDA with all necessary site details which can be shared with potential investors.
4. IDA will provide on a local level introductions to the Department of Social Protection and Solas on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
5. IDA has engaged with its sister agency Enterprise Ireland and will connect will all relevant agencies on a regional basis to promote the site wider marketing.