Tara Mines job losses
Deputy Tóibín warned that Tara Mines closures could cost thousands of jobs and called for a Government response to the high cost base. The Minister said the focus was on saving jobs and that Government would assist in whatever way possible.
It is ten days since Tara Mines closed and 2,000 people are facing job losses. Workers are facing a deadline of 14 July before the mines are put under care and maintenance. After that, 650 workers will be laid off. I commend SIPTU on its work in putting solutions to Boliden that could save up to €70 million. Boliden has obviously engaged with the Ministers, Deputies Coveney and Humphreys, on this matter. A key element is the Government's role. Currently, the Government is taking more taxes from energy than ever before.
We have a situation where Ireland has the highest cost base for electricity. Per unit, the cost is double the European average at the moment. What is the Government going to do to reduce inflated electricity costs?
The other issue is that families are now facing a substantial collapse in income, an income cliff edge, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. What social welfare supports will be provided? Will the Government provide Covid-like support for families on top of the social welfare support that is normally given in this situation?
Comment on this
I absolutely understand the anxiety and enormous stress that the families concerned are having to endure at the moment while facing this uncertainty. Our focus as a Government is to try to protect and save the jobs. Deputy Tóibín has acknowledged the engagement of the Ministers, Deputies Coveney and Humphreys. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and I are there to assist in any way we possibly can to ensure these jobs are saved because ultimately, that is what the workers and their families want to see achieved. We will work with them in whatever way we can to achieve that.