Unfortunately, the situation at Boliden Tara Mines has not changed since the decision was made to enter into care and maintenance in June this year. Approximately 650 workers were temporarily laid off by management, and the duration of those temporary layoffs is undetermined at present. Has the Government been engaging with the management of Tara Mines to ensure it does all in its power to get the mines reopened as soon as possible and get a date for this? Healthcare premiums covered by the company until 31 October are running out, as is a weekly support payment of €65. There is a meeting with the unions on 12 October where these issues will be discussed and reviewed. I ask the Government to talk to management before 12 October to see if it can offer that support to the workers and their families so we can keep these benefits going.

The Government is very much committed to helping and supporting the workers within the frameworks that are available. We will continue to do that and see what we can do, working with the owners, to get the mines operational again. The international context was not conducive at the time of the decision taken to have it at a care and maintenance level. The Government will remain engaged on the issue.