Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department and the industrial promotion agencies under the remit of his Department will implement to protect employment and safeguard the rights of employees at a manufacturing facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57647/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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My thoughts are with the workers and families that will be impacted by the closure of the manufacturing facility in Cavan. It is important to note that there is a robust suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers in collective redundancy situations. The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Act 1977. Employers must comply with a number of legal obligations when proposing collective redundancies, including the requirement to consult and provide information to employees and their representatives for a 30-day period, before any notice of redundancy can issue.

Government will also ensure that every assistance will be provided to the employees facing redundancy to find alternative employment, including through services that are available from the Department of Social Protection.

Enterprise Ireland continues to play a strong role in supporting economic development and employment in County Cavan. In 2024, EI-backed companies in the county created 316 new jobs, resulting in a net employment increase of 3.5%. EI has also significantly increased its financial support to businesses in the region, with total payments rising from €3 million in 2023 to over €4.3 million in 2024. Recent initiatives include funding under the Built to Innovate programme, support for local firms expanding internationally, and investment in digital transformation for retailers. EI continues to back innovation, job creation, and regional enterprise growth across sectors such as engineering, energy, construction, and manufacturing.

With regards to IDA Ireland, the IDA has made significant property investments to support enterprise development in Cavan, including the completion, earlier this year, of an Advanced Building Solution on the IDA Cavan Business & Technology Park, which is now available for marketing.  Recent Infrastructure upgrades have opened additional development sites within the IDA Cavan Business & Technology Park.  These investments align with IDA’s strategic objective to deliver high-quality, sustainable property solutions that enhance regional competitiveness.

IDA Ireland works closely with regional stakeholders to strengthen the local value proposition for FDI and to support innovation, workforce development, and enterprise growth. Key collaborators include Local Authorities; Regional Skills Forum; Enterprise Ireland; Dundalk Institute of Technology; and via the north-East Regional Enterprise Plan.   IDA also engages with strategic industry networks including the Fintech Corridor, the Border Region Manufacturing Cluster and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.

In addition to attracting new investments, IDA Ireland is committed to partnering with existing client companies to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of their Irish operations. The IDA offers a wide array of supports, including RD&I grants, capital funding for energy efficiency improvements, and digitalisation initiatives, to enhance competitiveness. The agency also provides guidance on regulatory compliance and workforce development through customised training support and funding. IDA also closely monitors industry trends and engages promptly with businesses facing challenges.