HP jobs losses in Leixlip
Deputy Gerry Adams raised the loss of 500 jobs at HP Inc. in Leixlip and asked what the Government knew and what action it had taken. The Taoiseach said the issue had already been addressed in Leaders’ Questions and outlined IDA and ministerial efforts to engage the company.
I just want to make sure the leader of Fianna Fáil has finished. An bhfuil sé críochnaithe?
Comment on this
Maith an fear. The programme for Government commits the Government to creating regional jobs plans. In this context, the news that 500 jobs are to be lost at the HP Inc. facility in Leixlip is devastating for the local community and for the workers and their families. When did the Government know that this move was to be taken by the company? What action, if any, did the Government take last October when the company announced that it intended to cut between 3,000 and 4,000 jobs globally? What efforts were made to persuade the company not to close? The decision to split the company in two is a device that is used by multinationals to minimise disruption to their profit margins. It has been suggested that these jobs will be transferred overseas. Does the Government know to where these jobs are being relocated? Is the new location within the EU? If so, will the Government investigate whether the EU globalisation fund can be accessed? Can the Taoiseach spell out for the families that are reeling from this morning's news the immediate steps the Government will take to prioritise new investment in this region and to protect the workers' statutory rights?
Comment on this
This has nothing to do with pending legislation, a Cheann Comhairle. I answered questions on this issue during Leaders' Questions. This 30-minute period is about proposed legislation. Nothing in Deputy Adams's question refers to proposed legislation.
Comment on this
It is a programme for Government commitment and it would be better if the Taoiseach answered the question, even in his own quaint way.
Comment on this
I have already referred to this question. The company made this announcement quite some time ago. The Minister has confirmed it has been approximately five to six weeks since it became apparent there would be an impact on the company's workers in Ireland. The chief executive of IDA Ireland travelled to southern California to speak directly to principals in HP Inc. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation spoke with management in HP Inc. in California from here in the past number of days. Every effort is being made to ensure we find an alternative for what is a superb location and plant. In particular, the assistance of the State will be made available to workers and if the Department of Social Protection receives an invitation to visit the plant, its personnel will deal individually with all the workers rather than making them visit Intreo offices. IDA Ireland is already looking at potential options for a replacement facility in that building. I hope that answers the Deputy's questions.