SIPTU: Harney should support indigenous industry

SIPTU's Dublin Food Branch Official, Brendan Carr has said Tánaiste Mary Harney should put in place greater support mechanisms for indigenous industries - especially in the more traditional sectors of the economy.

His comments concerned the closure of the HB plant in Rathfarnham, Dublin, and the consequent loss of almost 200 jobs.

Mr Carr said: "We need to focus on the indigenous and traditional sectors of our economy, because they are facing increasingly intense competition from abroad."

He said SIPTU has successfully concluded negotiations on an enhanced redundancy package for former HB employees of almost nine-weeks-pay per year of service and statutory entitlement plus a loyalty bonus and lump sums based on service.

"There are plenty of investment opportunities in the information technology, chemical and healthcare industries which are supported by Government agencies, but our indigenous industries are not being given access to the same recourses," he said.