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Tuesday, 23 February 2010 18:28 |
Special Motion Question on SR Technics and the 300 Jobs at Dublin Airport
Deputy Finian McGrath:
We all want to replace the jobs lost as a result of the closure of SR Technics. It is important that we should focus on this objective. At the same time, I am conscious of the fact that Aer Lingus must not be shafted. It must be remembered that SR Technics and Aer Lingus have made a major contribution to the economy on the north side of Dublin.
The Tánaiste indicated that there has been a major interaction in respect of this matter in recent days. Does she accept that the public's perception is that this is not the case? Does the Tánaiste believe Mr. Michael O'Leary's claim regarding the 300 jobs? Is Mr. O'Leary genuine and sincere in this regard?
Many Deputies refer to Irish industry not being provided with adequate supports. Business interests regularly state - I usually hear this three or four times each week - that there is not enough hype surrounding the creation of perhaps five or six jobs by a small business in areas such as that which I represent, which is located on Dublin's Northside and where massive investment is required.
Will the Tánaiste guarantee that the small businesses to which I refer will receive the same support, advice and investment as do the big boys from foreign countries which establish operations here?
If we are to get out of the mess we are in, we cannot completely rely on multinational comapanies because they will move when they can obtain the services of cheaper labour in other countries.
That factor must be contemplated by the economic policy of any Government. If it emerges, following tonight's meeting, that the project to create 300 jobs at Dublin Airport is genuine and viable and if a credible business plan is put forward, does the Tánaiste have available to her the funds required to provide assistance to it?
Reply by the Tánaiste
Deputy Mary Coughlan:
Ryanair is an international plc and Mr. O'Leary is a seasoned executive. In such circumstances, I have no reason to doubt what he is saying. To progress the discussions, however, a viable business plan must be put forward. This can then be examined by the relevant agencies. As already stated, Government support for a company such as Ryanair will equal that which would be made available to any other company establishing operations here.
As the Deputy is aware, we are restricted in the context of some of the supports we can provide in respect of Dublin. However, there are other supports which can be given to any company that wishes to establish operations here. I reiterate that the options of either reconfiguring the hangar space or constructing a new hangar are very much on the table.
I have no reason to doubt Mr. O'Leary's sincerity with regard to this issue. As already stated, however, this matter is best dealt with in the context of the normal, professional, businesslike discussions that take place with companies, be they indigenous or otherwise. I appreciate what the Deputy said in respect of funding. Even though resources are scarce, there is no question of there not being sufficient funds available to support employment creation here.
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