FG claims meat processors failing to create Irish jobs despite state aid

GRANT-AIDED meat processors are failing to create Irish jobs, according to Fine Gael.

The party’s agriculture, fisheries and food spokesperson, Michael Creed, made the claim after pointing out that 231 new work permits had been issued to non-European Union workers in 2008-2009.

He said the work permits have been issued to a handful of meat processors who have been approved funding under the Meat Investment Fund.

But he said the figures released by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in reply to a parliamentary question are curious for several reasons.

“Firstly, given that unemployment figures have reached 423,400, it beggars belief that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would be required to issue any work permits at this time. The criteria laid down by the department for the issuing of work permits, while specific, certainly leaves scope for manoeuvre by applicants,” he said.

Mr Creed said grant aid of €69 million was made available to these particular processors earlier this year.

“The least taxpayers expect from the money that they see invested into industries is that it would create Irish jobs,” he said.

Mr Creed said with almost 500,000 people on the live register, it was surely not beyond the realms of possibility that at least 231 of them could fill the positions in these meat processors, or indeed be suitably qualified so as not to require the issue of work permits.

“Failing that I have no doubt that many would complete training for the roles available,” he said.