FG blames Govt for job losses

Fine Gael enterprise, trade and employment spokesman Phil Hogan has blamed employment costs imposed on Irish businesses by the Government as a major factor in the loss of 150 jobs at Pall Ireland in Tipperary town.

Pall Ireland, the largest employer in the town, announced today that production at its medical facility would be transferred to its other plants in Mexico.

"This is a further consequence of the Government's deliberate policy of loading additional costs on employment. The tax and spend policies of Fianna Fáil policies are clearly contributing to job losses," claimed Deputy Hogan..

"Regrettably the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, and the Government have no idea how to address the problem of rapid deterioration in our national competitiveness."