Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Becton, Dickinson and Company has had a factory operating in Drogheda since 1964. Generations of Drogheda people have worked there. Unfortunately, the devastating news yesterday was that 170 people will lose their jobs over the next two years. There seemed to be no early warning system to the Minister - the Department was only informed the evening before. There was no opportunity to intervene and support this company, if it can be supported. I know the Minister will travel to New York next week to discuss issues with the company. It is imperative that the Government uses every possible opportunity, even at this late stage, having not been informed at all about what was going on, to see if we can support this company. Its support base in our town has been loyal. The company invested greatly in our town. We would value its continuation. It is a huge loss. What can the Government do, now that it knows about it?

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