I refer to the programme for Government in the context of job creation and rural development. On Monday night senior management at Rondo Foods in Arklow announced the potential relocation of the facility to Germany. That would result in 130 jobs being lost in the Arklow area, the impact of which on the families affected and the wider area would be immeasurable. The company has had financial difficulties for a number of years, like most exporting companies. I have been in discussions with management and the staff. There are sound financial reasons for keeping the company in Arklow which include that it has a full order book. I understand it had one or two difficulties for a number of years, but they have been dealt with. Will the Taoiseach ensure the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, and Enterprise Ireland will do all they can to ensure the jobs will be retained in Arklow?

I share the Deputy's concern about the potential loss of jobs. I am advised by Enterprise Ireland that the company announced the news to its staff last Friday and also the possibility of winding down the operation in Arklow in January. The company is considering relocating operations to its headquarters in Germany. The statutory 30-day redundancy consultation period commenced on 8 November. Enterprise Ireland continues to engage actively with the company ion its future plans and has confirmed that it is scheduled to meet company management in the coming week. The company has confirmed that it will look at all options and that this is the first in a series of consultations scheduled to take place with staff, with a further meeting scheduled to take place on 20 November. The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, is aware of the situation. We will make sure every State support is made available to the employees, if needed.