On page 41 of A Programme for a Partnership Government, there is a reference to leadership on jobs and rural development and it states that the ultimate goal of the new Government will be to deliver sustainable, full employment. Unfortunately, this morning we heard the extremely disappointing news that manufacturing will cease at Waterford Stanley in October with the loss of 33 jobs. There are 57 people employed in Waterford Stanley but the workforce will be reduced to 24. Waterford Stanley's first cooker was produced in Waterford in 1936 and the Stanley brand name is synonymous with Waterford, as is Waterford Crystal. I am delighted to see the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation beside the Taoiseach. I call on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and on Enterprise Ireland to liaise immediately with the company and ensure the workers who will lose their jobs in October find new employment as a matter of urgency. We cannot allow these workers to become long-term unemployed

I have been in many kitchens where the Stanley was the centrepiece and raised many families. It is a wonderful product.

We have a commitment in the programme for Government to ensuring that there are jobs throughout the country. As Chair of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Deputy will know that jobs are being created in all the regions. I am very disappointed that people are being let go at Waterford Stanley. We will get Enterprise Ireland and other agencies to make sure the people who are going to be made redundant will be able to find employment locally. I am very disappointed for the employees and their families.