News
Smith highlights need to protect jobs
The Minister stressed that he remains in close and ongoing contact with the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D., the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan T.D. and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Mr. Batt O’Keeffe T.D., on this very important issue.
The Agriculture Minister outlined how he has been centrally involved with Oireachtas colleagues from all parties and political representatives from Northern Ireland in supporting employees of the Quinn Group in all efforts to retain and protect employment.
Indeed The Anglo-Celt understands that he met with Arlene Foster MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the Northern Ireland Executive in Fermanagh on Easter Saturday night to discuss these issues.
At a meeting on Easter Sunday Minister Smith briefed the Taoiseach and the Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan on the meetings that both he and his Oireachtas colleagues had with representatives of the employees of the Quinn Group.
Minister Smith has also undertaken a number of local and national radio interviews on the issue, including RTÉ radio and RTÉ television, Newstalk and other radio stations. The flagship “This Week” programme on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday last had a detailed interview with Minister Smith, in which he again highlighted the strategic importance of the Quinn Group to the region and that every effort must be made to protect the jobs involved. He also referred to the success of Quinn Insurance in bringing competition to the insurance business and the very successful development of so many manufacturing enterprises in creating jobs in both Cavan and Fermanagh.
“I have attended several meetings with employees of the Quinn Group over the last two weeks, including a lengthy meeting with the provisional administrators. I arranged two separate meetings with my colleagues, the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, T.D. and the Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary, T.D. the following day that were very useful. These were also attended by my Oireachtas colleagues from the region. The Quinn employees were also briefed on the outcome of these meetings.
I earnestly hope that the issues that have arisen in relation to Quinn Insurance and the Financial Regulator can be resolved in a manner that will protect jobs, satisfy regulatory requirements and safeguard the interests of taxpayers”, the Minister said.
