Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight insisted the Government would do everything it could to help 280 employees facing redundancy after cosmetics giant Procter & Gamble announced massive cuts.

Fine Gael has called on the Tanaiste to make a statement on regional job losses following confirmation of the closure of GMX in Thurles with the loss of 230 jobs.

A French-owned electrical appliance factory in Thurles, Co Tipperary, is to close with the loss of 230 jobs.