Cavan job losses
Niamh Smyth raises major job losses at CG Power Systems in Cavan and fears wider damage to the town and county. The Taoiseach points to improved unemployment figures and says social supports and retraining will be provided for affected workers.
In the programme for Government, under "Jobs and Rural Development", the Government has given a commitment to deliver sustainable full employment and put in place measures to revitalise Ireland in order that it benefits all and is felt inside every doorstep and every community. The opposite is the reality for staff at present in CG Power Systems in Cavan town because last Friday one of Cavan town's biggest employers announced the loss of at least 50 jobs, which has left those affected, their families and their communities reeling. If this trend were to continue, it would have a catastrophic impact on Cavan town and our county as a whole. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment today that he, his Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and, obviously, his Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, will intervene to protect the remaining 384 jobs and that the Government will put in place the measures that are needed for the staff who will find themselves out on the job market again?
Comment on this
If the Deputy looks at the unemployment statistics for Cavan, she will see that unemployment has decreased considerably and employment has increased considerably in the county. The Government will provide, through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the necessary social supports and, through other bodies, retraining for the staff affected to ensure they can be assisted to find alternative employment.